These Titans are flying
It seems like nothing could go wrong for Choco Mucho in its Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The Flying Titans are sitting comfortably on the No. 2 spot assured of a semifinals berth thanks to a 10-game winning streak it manufactured.
And the only thing that Choco Mucho, who returned to the semifinals after a series of seventh place finishes in the last four conferences, has to do is wait for whoever it will face in the best-of-three affair.
Choco Mucho easily outperformed Chery Tiggo, 25-16, 25-19, 25-23, on Saturday at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City turning what could’ve been a battle between two outstanding teams into a sweep.
“I am really thankful with the performance of the team because we dictated the tempo of the first and second set,” coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino as Choco Mucho finished the eliminations with a 10-1 (win-loss) standing, its lone loss coming from an opening game loss to sister team and fellow powerhouse Creamline.
“In the third set we we’re still there but Chery held on until the end.”
Choco Mucho’s offense was orchestrated once again by Deanna Wong’s 24 excellent sets, as she joined hands with the ever-reliable Sisi Rondina, who finished with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks. She also added 15 excellent receptions.
Maddie Madayag, who has been with the Flying Titans during their series of previous heartbreaks, also added 11 points.
Bigger goal“But I am happy because everything that we wanted to do inside the court, we were able to [do]. Even our blocking and service really connected,” Alinsunurin added.
Choco Mucho might have to face the Crossovers once again on the way to their bigger goal depending on how Cignal’s matchup with Gerflor on Tuesday at PhilSports Arena will pan out.
If the HD Spikers triumph against the Defenders, they will have the same win-loss record as Chery Tiggo, who won against them. The Crossovers will also have to wait for the outcome of that match to know their final place in the standings.
“I always tell to my players that we need to win in this game (vs Chery) because this will fuel our confidence when the semifinals comes,” Alinsunurin said.
“Whoever we face, what’s important is our goal to increase our confidence,” he added as the Flying Titans used their remaining days to sharpen their lapses and brace for the tough semifinals ahead.
“Our system inside the court requires harder service in every game because that is how we are able to control the game,” Alinsunurin said. INQ
