CHOCO Mucho went on a 9-1 tear in the fifth-set tiebreak to complete a five-set reverse sweep of ZUS Coffee, 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Deanna Wong orchestrated the comeback win in her first game back from a five-month absence with seven points and 10 excellent sets.
The Flying Titans have now won their last two games since being dealt back-to-back four-set losses by league leaders Cignal and Creamline.
Once a set away from victory, ZUS Coffee slides to 2-4 following its third straight defeat.
Sisi Rondina stayed sharp with a game-high 25 points and nine receptions to complete the late turnaround.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat had herself a strong 19-piece in four sets played behind breakout games from Isa Molde (13) and rookie blocker Lorraine Pecaña (11).
Even as Chai Troncoso led four Thunderbelles in double figures with 17 points, it still wasn’t enough to hold fort as they yield back-to-back five-set matches this conference.
Choco Mucho far from perfect
Three of Choco Mucho’s four wins this conference were decided in five sets.
Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin identified one recurring culprit as to why the team has struggled to finish games fast: inconsistent on-court connection.
“‘Yung timing lang talaga sa mga ginagawa namin, hindi lang talaga nagkakatugma ‘yung opensa namin, ‘yung blockings namin, ‘yung depensa namin," he said.
“’Yun ‘yung nagiging problema namin nu’ng first sets eh. Timing lang sa ginagawa namin sa loob ng court.”
Somehow, they still get the job done. Alinsunurin says it was a matter of making amends fast whenever they’re backed against the wall.
“Gumanda lang talaga itinakbo ng laro namin dahil ‘yung effort talaga ng team namin mula sa likod, nagiging solid talaga sa harap eh kaya naging positive talaga (‘yung result).”
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