Choco Mucho is still alive in the hunt for a podium finish.

Snapping a string of painful five-set losses, the Flying Titans exorcised their demons in Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference bronze series, outlasting Akari with a 25-18, 25-22, 27-29, 25-19 win on Thursday, April 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After consecutive five-set defeats to the same opponent, Choco Mucho finally flipped the script. Led by scoring machine Sisi Rondina and steady contributor Royse Tubino, the Titans unleashed a composed yet ferocious display to force a winner-take-all showdown for third place—if Creamline forces a Game 3 in the ongoing Finals.

Rondina delivered a 26-point bomb, all but one coming off attacks, while Tubino stepped up with 17 points and 17 excellent digs in a game that saw Choco Mucho stay aggressive from start to finish.

Akari threatened another collapse from Choco Mucho after stealing the extended third set, 29-27. But this time, the Titans held the line and kept their foot on the gas.

Rondina credited their discipline and unity for the breakthrough: “We just followed our coach’s program, stuck to our plays, talked to each other, and focused on our individual roles.”

Up by three midway through the fourth, Choco Mucho broke away with a 4-0 blast punctuated by Rondina’s kills, an ace by Mars Alba, and a swift kill from Tubino to go up 17-11. Akari rallied late behind Steph Bustrillo, Ivy Lacsina, and Eli Soyud but couldn’t close the gap.

Rondina sealed the deal with back-to-back kills, snapping Choco Mucho’s four-game losing skid and reigniting their bronze bid.

“Sa wakas, nanalo din kami ngayon,” said coach Dante Alinsunurin. “We were really down after the semis loss. It’s tough when you know you had a shot but fell short, especially with our player shortages. But I’m proud we recovered, and hopefully this win carries us into Game 3.”

Choco Mucho also drew key performances from Isa Molde (12 points, 14 digs), Cherry Nunag (11 points, 2 blocks), and Alba (17 excellent sets). Defensive ace Thang Ponce added 27 excellent receptions.

Akari, which appeared to run out of gas, still got solid numbers from Soyud (16 points), Lacsina (15 points, 12 receptions), and Grethcel Soltones, who put up a triple-double: 15 points, 12 digs, and 22 receptions.

Setter Michelle Cobb managed 20 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno followed her 29-dig Game 1 effort with another 22.

The result keeps Choco Mucho’s podium hopes alive. If Petro Gazz clinches the title at presstime, Choco Mucho claims bronze via match points. But if Creamline wins and forces a Game 3, the Titans and Chargers return to battle on Saturday.

“We were exhausted, but we’re happy,” said Rondina. “We proved we can still win. Until that ball hits the floor and the score hits 25, we don’t give up.”