Choco Mucho outside hitter Sisi Rondina tries to score against two ZUS Coffee defenders in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Tuesday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan. She delivered 27 points and 15 excellent receptions in leading the Titans to victory. (PVL photo)
Choco Mucho showed its championship poise when it mattered most, leaning on the firepower of Sisi Rondina and the steady presence of Maddie Madayag to outlast ZUS Coffee, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a thrilling do-or-die showdown in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
In a gripping contest that lasted one hour and 57 minutes, the Flying Titans weathered an up-and-down battle before taking control in the fourth set and carrying that momentum into the decider. Rondina once again delivered for Choco Mucho, pouring in 27 points while also anchoring the floor defense with 15 excellent receptions.
Madayag, who was named Best Player of the Game, backed her up with 19 points built on a balanced all-around effort that included three blocks. Eya Laure and Kat Tolentino also stepped up with 13 and 12 points, respectively, as Choco Mucho kept its title hopes alive.
“I’m happy that the team is back. We really struggled and there were times when we were lost in the game. The mindset is different now and we really worked as a team today,” Madayag said.
With the victory, Choco Mucho advanced to another knockout clash on Saturday against Akari, with one of the last two semifinal spots on the line.
ZUS Coffee put up a fierce fight behind Riza Nogales, who led the Thunderbelles with 16 points. Thea Gagate added 12, while Cess Robles, Chinnie Arroyo and Kate Santiago chipped in nine points each, but the team could not sustain its momentum after dominating the third set.
In the other play-in match, Galeries Tower pulled off a stunner by sweeping Capital1, 25-16, 25-20, 30-28, to keep its own campaign alive.
The Highrisers, who entered the play-in phase with only two wins in nine matches, played with urgency and confidence from the opening serve, then showed composure in a tense third set to complete the upset.
Jean Asis led the charge with 17 points on 12 attacks, three blocks and two aces, while Gayle Pascual added 14 markers. Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton also made key contributions with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as Galeries Tower leaned on a collective effort to dismantle Capital1.
“We worked on our lapses, especially in blocking and defensive patterns. The team really wants to win. So just push — no one will give up,” Asis said.
Setter Juju Coronel kept the Highrisers’ offense in rhythm and finished with 22 excellent sets.
Capital1 drew a big performance from Bella Belen, who tallied 20 points to go with 12 digs and nine receptions, but it was not enough to lift the Solar Spikers past a determined Galeries Tower side. Cherry Nunag had seven points, while Leila Cruz and Shaya Adorador added five each.
Galeries Tower now moves on to face No. 5 Nxled in the next step-ladder knockout match on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with the race to the semifinals growing more intense.