The Philsports Arena erupted in deafening roars as Sisi Rondina delivered the final blow over two PLDT defenders, sealing Choco Mucho’s improbable 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16 victory to inch the Flying Titans closer to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday, March 15.

In a match that had the intensity of a championship battle, Choco Mucho clawed back from a 0-2 set deficit to stun a star-studded PLDT squad. Despite dealing with injuries—including the early exit of Dindin Manabat in the first set—the Flying Titans refused to fold. They endured a grueling two-hour, seven-minute battle, saving multiple match points and outlasting the High Speed Hitters in a high-pressure decider.

Rondina shines in a historic comeback

Rondina delivered another explosive performance, racking up 31 points, along with 15 excellent digs and 12 receptions, proving her dominance on both offense and defense.

“We will work hard for this until we reach the semifinals,” Rondina vowed as Choco Mucho aims to finish the job in game two.

Royse Tubino played a crucial role with 20 points, while Isa Molde added 11 markers as Choco Mucho controlled the attacks battle, 65-55.

PLDT’s Savi Davison led the charge with 25 points, but lost momentum in the third and fourth sets. Erika Santos (14 points), Fiola Ceballos (11), and Majoy Baron (10) contributed, while PLDT’s blocking dominance (13-6) kept them competitive.

Alba’s game-changing impact

Setter Mars Alba was the game-changer for Choco Mucho. Inserted after the first two sets, her steady playmaking ignited a turnaround. She tallied 16 excellent sets and three points, orchestrating the offense and keeping the Flying Titans composed.

“In the first two sets, I was told to be ready, so I just observed from the bench,” Alba shared after earning Best Player of the Game honors.

Meanwhile, Angge Alcantara had 21 excellent sets for PLDT but struggled to control the High Speed Hitters’ offense when it mattered most.

How Choco Mucho turned the match around

Despite falling into a 3-5 hole in set five, Choco Mucho refused to surrender, launching a 6-1 run to take a 9-6 lead. With the match hanging in the balance at 16-all, PLDT’s Dell Palomata committed a costly service error, setting up another match point.

Then came Rondina’s moment of brilliance—a powerful spike over two blockers that sealed Choco Mucho’s comeback victory.

Choco Mucho’s head coach Dante Alinsunurin credited the team’s adjustments, particularly inserting Alba and Maika Ortiz in the third set, which proved to be game-changing moves.

“Just success from set to set,” Alba said, reflecting on Choco Mucho’s rally.

PLDT will look to force a decider, while Choco Mucho aims to complete its rise from the brink.

• Choco Mucho needs to sustain momentum and limit errors
• PLDT must find offensive consistency and close out sets stronger

With one win separating them from the semifinals, the Flying Titans are on the verge of history. But can PLDT bounce back and extend the series?