By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
After four years, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans finally reached the grand finals stage of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).
All the sweat, hard work, and tears paid off after the Flying Titans outdueled the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, during the do-or-die Game 3 of the All-Filipino Conference semifinal clash last December 12, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena.
In a thrilling and action-packed winner-take-all Game 3 semis clash, the Flying Titans proved that they were the hungrier squad after pulling off a gutsy four-set win against the laser-focused Cignal team.
Despite giving up the second set which allowed the HD Spikers to gain some ground and snatch away the momentum, the Flying Titans still prevailed and banked on its efficient attack led by setter Deanna Wong who orchestrated the Choco Mucho offense to perfection.
After almost two hours of non-stop volleyball action, the former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) standout and Philippine national team staple dished out 24 excellent sets.
Wong involved almost her entire squad in the offense and was aware of how the HD Spikers deployed their defensive sets in the floor coverage area.
When Cignal signaled for a tight middle blocking play, Wong played her cross-court attackers more that caught the HD Spikers off guard.
Also stepping up for the Flying Titans was Kat Tolentino who dropped 17 points built from 15 successful attacks.
Aside from Tolentino, the defensive duo of Cherry Nunag and Maddie Madayag combined for 24 points while Isa Molde chipped in 10 points and 14 excellent digs.
On the other hand, the HD Spikers got a solid contribution from Vanie Gandler who fired 20 big points built from 18 successful attacks.
Jovelyn “The Bionic Ilongga” Gonzaga was only limited to eight markers, one of her lowest -scoring outputs in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference.
With the victory, the Flying Titans will be squaring off against the undefeated Creamline Cool Smashers in the championship series.
