CHOCO Mucho had to play spoiler just as retooled Capital1 looked poised to make a statement in Cebu.
Fueled by a roaring 11,580-strong crowd at the SM Seaside Arena, the Flying Titans rallied from two sets down to outlast the Solar Spikers in a thrilling 22-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8 reverse sweep to open the PVL’s 10th anniversary season on Saturday.
READ: PVL unveils new 3-series format for 10th anniversary All-Filipino
Just as Capital1’s three-headed monster of Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos appeared on course for a straight-sets win, Choco Mucho found another gear when it mattered most.
The Flying Titans built a seven-point cushion in the third set before erasing an early 3-11 deficit in the fourth to force a decider, feeding off the energy of a Cebuano crowd that refused to let them go quietly.
Flying Titans' firepower
Eya Laure spearheaded Choco Mucho’s fightback with a match-high 22 points, backed by 15 receptions and 11 digs, while hometown hero Sisi Rondina-Rosales shook off a quiet start to finish with 12 points and deliver alongside the red-hot winger.
Maddie Madayag also made her presence felt in the middle with 11 points.
“Pinaghirapan din talaga namin ‘tong panalo na ‘to at trinabaho lang namin. We always remind each other na we got each other’s backs. Kahit anong mangyari, tuloy lang ang laban,” Laure said.
The Solar Spikers were led by Santos' 22 markers, as Belen posted a triple-double of 15 points, 15 receptions and 10 digs, while Gandler chipped in 15 points and 14 receptions.
Julia Coronel dished out 27 excellent sets, while Detdet Pepito anchored the defense with 24 digs in the loss.
The match also put the Siklab leg’s all-to-play rule to the test, requiring every player listed on each team’s roster to see action. The opening leg is the first of three series in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference, with the new format adding another wrinkle to the league’s milestone season.
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