Choco Mucho faced some tense moments in the third set but re-displayed its strength in the stretch, carving out a 25-15, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Capital1 and wresting back the solo lead in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna Saturday.
The Flying Titans also 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 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 against top contenders, 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 the 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.
In a relatively effortless display, 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 bolstering Choco Mucho’s dominance over the Solar Spikers.
Jorelle Singh led the scoring for Capital1 with 13 points while Janine Navarro finished with 11 markers and Patty Orendain and Lourdes Clemente chipped in five points each.
But the Solar Spikers struggled to maintain momentum in the stretch, allowing the Flying Titans to capitalize on their weaknesses and clinch the victory in one hour and 22 minutes.