Choco Mucho flies high with 7th win

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho faced some tense moments in the third set but displayed toughness in the stretch, scoring a 25-15, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Capital1 and wresting back the lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna yesterday.

The Flying Titans showed their composure in crucial moments while the Solar Spikers faltered under pressure, enabling the former to seize control of the match, leading to their seventh win against a solitary loss.

This propelled Choco Mucho ahead of both Creamline and PLDT, both at 6-1, as the Flying Titans reinstated their position at the top of the standings.

Sisi Rondina came away with 13 points as she continued to flaunt her versatility and consistency, finishing with five excellent digs and eight receptions. While her performance may have lacked the usual flair, her steady contributions proved invaluable to Choco Mucho’s success.

The victory also firmed up Choco Mucho’s drive to the semis with the Flying Titans determined to make amends for their previous campaign in the AFC, where they lost the crown to the Cool Smashers. They seek to guarantee a seat in post-elims play of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision when they play against the also-ran Strong Group Athletics on April 13.

After their highly anticipated face-off with Creamline on April 18, Choco Mucho will close out its elims campaign against Farm Fresh on April 23.

Capital1 fell to 1-7.

Choco Mucho outscored Capital1 in attacks, 43-32. Despite the Solar Spikers’ edge in blocks, 6-5, the Flying Titans cashed in on their opponents’ errors, amassing 22 points while conceding only 12.

Isa Molde continued to shine in the absence of Kat Tolentino, scoring nine points while middles Maddie Madayag and Cherry Nunag matched eight-point outputs. Veterans Royse Tubino and Maika Ortiz added five points apiece, further highlighting Choco Mucho’s dominance over the Solar Spikers.