Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina (No. 18) tries to score against PLDT’s Fiola Mae Ceballos (No. 17) and Mika Reyes (No. 3) during the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on March 15, 2025. Rondina sizzled with 31 points as the Flying Titans won, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16. (PVL photo)
Choco Mucho and Akari look to secure their spots in the Final Four as they resume their best-of-three quarterfinal series on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Flying Titans are set to clash with the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m., followed by the Chargers taking on the Galeries Tower Highrisers at 6:30 p.m.
A victory will send them straight to the semifinals, while a loss will force a do-or-die Game 3.
Choco Mucho edged out PLDT in a thrilling five-setter in Game 1 on March 15, overcoming a slow start to claim a 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 victory.
Team captain Sisi Rondina delivered a stellar performance, erupting for 31 points, including 29 attacks and two aces. Honey Rose Tubiano contributed 20 points, while Ma. Lina Molde chipped in 11.
Rondina will once again lead Choco Mucho against a determined PLDT squad spearheaded by Savi Davison.
“I made some mistakes in the third and fourth sets that I need to work on,” Davison admitted. “For Game 2, we need more players to step up and add to our scoring.”
Davison will rely on key contributions from Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, and Majoy Baron to keep their campaign alive.
Meanwhile, Akari aims to maintain its momentum and close out Galeries Tower.
Former National University standout Ivy Lacsina delivered a career-best 28 points, including 22 attacks and six kill blocks, leading Akari to a hard-fought 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11 win in Game 1.
“Winning Game 1 doesn’t mean we can ease up. The job isn’t done until we reach our ultimate goal,” said Lacsina, who will be supported by Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, Ezra Madrigal, Faith Nisperos, Camille Victoria, and Steph Bustrillo.
Jewel Encarnacion, meanwhile, will lead Galeries Tower’s attempt to bounce back after a strong showing in the qualifiers, where they stunned third-seeded Cignal.
“Our coaches reminded us that despite the loss, we pushed the game to five sets. We can’t let frustration take over—we need to stay focused and fight for another opportunity,” said Encarnacion, who registered 18 points, 18 receptions, and 10 digs in Game 1.
With both series on the line, expect an intense battle as Choco Mucho and Akari aim to punch their tickets to the semifinals.