Choco Mucho opened its Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign in emphatic fashion, sweeping Akari 25-17, 25-23, 25-20 before a packed crowd at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan on Saturday, January 31. The Flying Titans showcased renewed energy and balance, signaling a fresh start after a difficult 2025 season.

The match marked the return of Sisi Rondina to the indoor game, and the former MVP wasted little time reasserting her presence. From the opening set, Choco Mucho dictated tempo with aggressive offense and disciplined floor defense, keeping the Chargers at bay in crucial stretches.

A revitalized Flying Titans core

Rondina delivered 16 points in her comeback, leaning on her trademark explosiveness while showing composure despite a lengthy hiatus from indoor volleyball. Her ability to score in pressure moments steadied the Flying Titans whenever Akari threatened to gain momentum.

Eya Laure provided immediate impact in her Choco Mucho debut, finishing with 11 points and delivering timely attacks late in the third set. Her presence added another layer to the Flying Titans’ offense, allowing the team to spread production instead of relying on a single scorer.

Dindin Manabat closed the door in the final stretch, unloading two decisive attacks to complete the sweep in one hour and 23 minutes. Deanna Wong quietly orchestrated the offense with 11 excellent sets, ensuring smooth transitions throughout the match.

Akari flashes fight amid missed chances

Akari stayed competitive in the second and third sets, briefly threatening to extend the match after closing the gap late in Set 2. However, untimely errors and Choco Mucho’s poise in crunch time prevented the Chargers from forcing a breakthrough.

Fifi Sharma led Akari with 10 points, while Celine Domingo added nine as the Chargers leaned on balanced scoring. Despite the straight-set loss, Akari showed stretches of solid defense and service pressure that hinted at its potential moving forward.

For Choco Mucho, the victory offered more than just a strong opening result. With Rondina back at full strength and Laure settling quickly into her role, the Flying Titans looked reenergized, confident, and ready to rejoin the league’s top contenders.