CHOCO Mucho dodged a scare from also-ran Farm Fresh, 25-15, 24-26, 21-25, 25-21, 15-12, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.
Sisi Rondina rescued the semis-bound Flying Titans from the depths of defeat with 29 points built on 24 attacks and five blocks.
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Rondina & Co. ended the elimination round at 9-2 (win-loss), grabbing solo first place in the meantime while atoning for a straight-sets loss to sister team Creamline.
"Ngayon pa lang, talagang binigyan na kami ng test talaga para pagdating namin ng semifinals, talagang ma-maximize namin 'yung ginagawa namin. Credit sa Farm Fresh, trinabaho talaga nila 'yung in terms of sa skills talaga, 'yung receive nila. Talagang du'n kami nahirapan," said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
"The more na nagkaka-receive sila, nahihirapan kami talaga sa blocking namin saka sa pattern namin ng floor defense pero unti-unti, natitiyaga namin. Na-maximize din namin kung sino 'yung mga pwede naming gamitin pagdating sa loob ng court," he added.
With eight wins in ten matches prior to its prelims finale versus Farm Fresh, the Flying Titans' mettle was put to the test as they found themselves one set away from defeat in their last two matches ahead of the semifinals.
While Choco Mucho proved unassailable in the opening set with a ten-point win, ace spiker Trisha Tubu's new career-high of 32 points on 30 attacks and two blocks doused a fiery start from the league leaders come Sets 2 and 3.
Experience emerged as the Flying Titans' cutting edge in the endgame upon securing their second win in three five-set battles they played thus far this conference.
Although out-attacked by Farm Fresh, 74 to 66, Choco Mucho responded with its rock-solid net defense (13 total blocks) on top of 56 digs and 34 receptions. Rondina recorded a team-high five blocks and 18 receptions to go alongside Thang Ponce's 18 digs.
Deanna Wong also made the most of her extended gametime with 13 excellent sets and two kill blocks.
On the flip side, Kate Santiago connived with her former Adamson teammate Tubu on offense with 21 points on 20 attacks powered by a game-best 23 excellent sets from team captain Louie Romero.
The Foxies bow out of the season-opening tilt with a franchise-best three victories in their third PVL conference after winning once in their league debut and twice in their sophomore stint.
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