2 weeks Ago By Rob Andrew Dongiapon
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rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-1" );MANILA, Philippines – The Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Akari Chargers drew first blood via five-set thrillers to open the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals on Saturday, March 15, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. The Flying Titans completed a reverse sweep of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, to take Game 1 of their best-of-three series.
With Choco Mucho down two sets, Sisi Rondina took charge, finishing the game with 31 points, 29 off attacks, to carry the cudgels for the Flying Titans after a lousy start. The Akari Chargers, meanwhile, opened the day with a similar five-set escape against the Galeries Tower High Risers, 21-25, 25-19, 20-25, 25-16, 15-11, to take the first game of their own quarterfinal duel. Rondina led a finishing rally that saw Choco Mucho zoom to a 6-2 run in the fifth set before finishing through in the extension to pull off the gutsy comeback win.
“My only thinking was that until they win three sets, this is not over,“ Rondina said in Filipino. “All I thought about was how to contribute to the team in every aspect of the game, how I could help.”Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin also credited the effort his wards showed.
“I just reminded the players what we have been doing before the quarterfinals and then they responded,” Alinsunurin said in Filipino. “It was a total team effort for us.”Royce Tubino provided a much-needed support for Choco Mucho as she contributed 20 points off 17 attacks to keep PLDT’s defense busy outside of Rondina.
The win also extended Choco Mucho’s streak to eight games, while ending PLDT’s five-game victory run. PLDT seemed in cruise control after a steady start in the first two sets, until Choco Mucho found its most effective lineup featuring setter Mars Alba in the third set, which sparked a fiery comeback bid for the Flying Titans. “Since the third set, the personnel was different,” Rondina said of Choco Mucho’s mid-game adjustment.
“The trust between my teammates and our coaches showed in the win.”window.rapplerAds.
displayAd( "middle-2" );window.rapplerAds.displayAd( "mobile-middle-2" );Savi Davison tried to salvage PLDT’s chances, before ultimately falling short in the waning moments to the Rondina-led Choco Mucho.
Davison put up 25 points, including 23 attacks, but it all went for naught as the High Speed Hitters struggled to find an alternative in their offense in the latter half of the match. Choco Mucho has a chance to close it out in Game 2 and claim a semifinal ticket on Thursday, March 20, at the same venue.Akari leans on LacsinaIvy Lacsina powered the Chargers with a conference-high 28 points off 22 attacks and 6 blocks to steer Akari out of a 1-2 set deficit.
Eli Soyud backstopped Lacsina with 18 points, while Grethcel Soltones added 10 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 17 excellent digs as Akari moved on the cusp of a semifinal berth. Michelle Cobb orchestrated the Chargers’ offense with 21 excellent sets on top of 4 points to seal the thrilling win. On the other hand, rookie Jewel Encarnacion shone bright for the Galeries Tower with 18 points and 18 receptions, while France Ronquillo chipped in 17 points in the losing effort.
Game 2 of their series will also be on Thursday at the same venue. – Rappler.com.
