By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans replicated its outstanding volleyball display in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinal round after sweeping the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-20, 25-19, 25-23, on May 2, 2024, at the Philsports Arena.
With the huge victory, the Flying Titans became the only undefeated team in the semifinals and just boosted its chances of another return ticket to the PVL grand finals stage.
It was a gutsy performance for Choco Mucho after denying Chery Tiggo’s comeback attempt in three straight sets, neutralizing their blazing offensive power with their much improved middle blocking led by their defensive anchor, Maddie Madayag.
Unlike their seven-game winning where the Crossovers pummeled their opponents at will with their tremendous offense, the Flying Titans this time proved that defense wins championships as their middle blocking and timely floor coverage receptions became the major difference in the crucial game.
Sisi Rondina was once again on a tear after top-scoring the Flying Titans with 18 big points to go alongside 14 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Meanwhile, the veteran outside hitter Royse Tubino, also stepped up when Choco Mucho needed her the most and backstopped Rondina with 17 markers and two blocks.
The 1-2 punch of Rondina and Tubino steered the Flying Titans in the last two sets, providing the much-needed scores to counter every Chery Tiggo conversion.
Mars Alba, Choco Mucho’s newly acquired setter, orchestrated their offense to perfection after dishing out 14 excellent sets while also scoring the leather twice.
The Flying Titans will look to finish the semifinal round on a high note on May 5, 2024, as they face the Petro Gazz Angels in their last game of the round-robin.
