At the Philsports Arena on Saturday, Choco Mucho overcame the threat to produce an exciting reverse sweep against ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, winning 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9 in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminary round.

With an incredible 25 points and nine outstanding receptions, Sisi Rondina once again stole the show. With a classic 19-point performance that included key hits in the last two sets, Dindin Manabat matched Rondina’s efforts and helped Choco Mucho secure a 4-3 record and a fifth-place finish on her own.

Building on their momentum after a tough victory over Farm Fresh in December, where they blew a 2-0 lead, Choco Mucho won five sets in a row for the second time in a row in the two-hour, seven-minute match.

(Picture from PVL)

The most impressive performer was Deena Wong, who skillfully planned the attack. She contributed seven points and produced ten outstanding sets, four of which were from deft 1-2 plays, including a game-winning one that landed precisely on the baseline.

As the Thunderbelles’ impressive start turned into a forgettable finale, her genius left everyone in disbelief.

It’s a fantastic way to get off to a winning start this year. “Hopefully, we can continue this,” Wong remarked, praising her teammates’ combined efforts throughout the game.

Isa Molde, who scored 13 points and recorded 11 digs, and Lorraine Pecana, who added 11 markers, including a crucial quick attack in the decisive frame, bolstered Rondina’s unrelenting play.

The Thunderbelles, led by Chai Troncoso (17 points) and Gayle Pascual (15 markers), dominated the first two sets with aggressive offense and tight defense. Thea Gagate and Michelle Gamit each added 14 and 13 points, but the Thunderbelles were unable to remain composed in the face of Choco Mucho’s comeback, and a pivotal seven-point run from Rondina in the fifth set sealed their doom.

“Our defense and blocking improved in the third set, and we executed our plays as planned,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino. “Hopefully, we can sustain this level of play.”

“Masaya kami kasi sa mga ensayo namin, lumalabas ang mga resulta sa laro,” said Rondina, reflecting on the team’s improvement. “Masaya rin kasi parang imposible na makuha ang ilang bola, pero nabibigla kami dahil naiitaas pa rin namin. Itutuloy namin ang ganitong laro, pero siyempre, kailangan pa rin magtrabaho nang husto.”

Conversely, Chai Troncoso dominated the scoreboard early on, leading the Thunderbelles to consecutive set victories and a 17-point performance. Thea Gagate and Michelle Gamit contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively, while Gayle Pascual put up an incredible 15 points.

The Thunderbelles had a great start, but they were ultimately overpowered by the Flying Titans’ constant pressure and well-rounded attack.

ZUS Coffee and Choco Mucho both scored 10 block points, however Choco Mucho’s score was only slightly higher (68-65). But the Flying Titans delivered five aces and gave up just one, taking advantage of their opponents’ poor reception of their service.

The Thunderbelles, who at first appeared to have figured out the Flying Titans’ tactics in the first two sets, were especially hurt by the defeat. Regretfully, they were unable to match the poise and consistency of their seasoned competitors, faltering when it counted most.