Choco Mucho clinched a hard-fought semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference after surviving a determined PLDT High Speed Hitters squad in a 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 victory on Thursday night, March 20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Rondina’s clutch moment seals the win

After two previous attempts to deliver the finishing blow, Sisi Rondina finally ended the match with a powerful kill against two PLDT blockers. Overwhelmed with emotion, she collapsed to the floor, covering her face in relief as her teammates erupted in celebration.

The victory extended Choco Mucho’s unbeaten record in five-set matches to 6-0 and marked a redemption arc for the Flying Titans, who had struggled early in the record six-month-long conference.

Mars Alba orchestrates another comeback

Setter Mars Alba played a key role once again, finishing with 22 excellent sets and a surprising seven-point performance, including a clutch off-speed attack that broke a 13-all tie in the final set.

“Grabe! Kudos to our team and coaches. We started from the bottom, and now we’re here!” Alba exclaimed after winning her second straight Best Player of the Game award.

Her decisive point shattered PLDT’s resolve, and on the next play, a free ball allowed Rondina to unleash the match-winning attack, sending Choco Mucho to the round-robin semifinals.

PLDT’s valiant fight falls short

Despite the heartbreaking loss, PLDT fought relentlessly, nearly forcing a rubber match after taking the fourth set and racing to a 4-0 lead in the decider behind the heavy-hitting Savi Davison. However, momentum shifted as Davison committed three crucial attack errors, allowing Choco Mucho to claw back into the game.

A Rondina ace pushed the Flying Titans ahead at 6-5, followed by a net infraction by Dell Palomata, widening the gap to 9-6. PLDT responded with three straight points, leveling the set at 9-all and setting up another tense finish.

Choco Mucho gained a 13-11 lead after Kim Dy was penalized for reaching beyond the net, a call upheld after a referee challenge. But PLDT refused to back down. Davison tied her career-high with her 33rd point, delivering a down-the-line hit to force another deadlock at 13-all.

That was when Coach Dante Alinsunurin made a tactical move, setting up Alba for a surprise attack. The setter delivered precisely, pushing the Flying Titans to match point. Moments later, Rondina sealed the win with a high-powered attack past PLDT’s blockers.

“I didn’t expect that coach would make me a spiker. But whatever ball is given to me, I will find a way to help the team,” Alba said in Filipino.

Standout performances

Choco Mucho scorers:

• Sisi Rondina – 21 points
• Royse Tubino – 15 points
• Isa Molde – 8 points
• Maika Ortiz & Cherry Nunag – 7 points each
• Mars Alba – 7 points (along with 22 excellent sets)

PLDT scorers:

• Savi Davison – 34 points
• Majoy Baron – 17 points
• Erika Santos – 13 points
• Fiola Ceballos – 11 points

Ortiz had a critical quick attack that pushed Choco Mucho ahead 10-9 in Set 5 but limped off in the next play. Meanwhile, Davison’s 34-point explosion wasn’t enough to prevent PLDT from suffering another five-set heartbreaker, reminiscent of their controversial Reinforced Conference semifinals loss last year.

With the semifinal picture set, Choco Mucho now prepares for the round-robin phase, where every win will be crucial in securing a shot at the All-Filipino Conference championship. On the other hand, PLDT exits with heads held high, having pushed one of the tournament’s top teams to the limit.