Tolentino return uncertain for Choco Mucho

MANILA, Philippines – Is Choco Mucho standout Kat Tolentino returning for the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals slated next week?

For Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin, they have already set their minds about the possibility that she may not.

“Hindi pa namin alam kung kalian makakabalik siya,” said Alinsunurin referring to his talented opposite spiker, who has been sidelined for weeks now due to “auditory issues” and could still be out when they take on Farm Fresh Tuesday in their final elimination round assignment at the PhilSports Arena.

“Pero ngayon pa lang, pinapalagay loob namin na aka hindi na siya makakabalik this conference,” he added.

Choco Mucho was one of the four teams that earned a free pass to the semis following PLDT’s heartbreaking 24-26, 26-24, 25-17, 28-26 defeat to sister squad Cignal Saturday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

PLDT fell to 7-2 while Choco Mucho, Creamline, Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo have 8-2 cards and have advanced.

For MVP candidate Sisi Rondina, they are focused now on picking up the pieces following a stinging 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 defeat to elder sibling Creamline Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Back to the drawing board,” she said.

Preceding the 6 p.m. duel between Choco Mucho and Farm Fresh (3-7) is the duel between Capital1 Solar (1-8) versus Nxled (3-6) at 4 p.m.