Choco Mucho survives scare, forces knockout clash behind Rondina heroics

0Shares

Choco Mucho survived a tense five-set thriller against ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in a do-or-die match in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday, March 24, at the FilOil Centre. The victory kept the Titans in contention for the semifinals and showcased their resilience under pressure.

Despite a shaky start, Choco Mucho relied on its star players when it mattered most. Sisi Rondina, Maddie Madayag, Eya Laure, and Kat Tolentino anchored a dominant fourth-set surge before capitalizing on the Thunderbelles’ errors in the fifth set.

Sisi Rondina led the Titans with 27 points and 15 excellent receptions. [PVL Images]

Choco Mucho’s stars deliver under pressure

Clinging to a 14-10 lead in the decider, Choco Mucho turned to Rondina to finish the match. After a service error by Laure and two digs from ZUS Coffee kept the set alive, Rondina executed a precise crosscourt hit that pierced through the block and sealed the one-hour, 57-minute victory.

Rondina finished with 27 points and 15 excellent receptions. Madayag contributed 19 points on an efficient attack clip and three blocks, earning Best Player of the Game honors. Laure added 13 points despite limited action, while Tolentino contributed 12 markers.

Match progression and pivotal moments

Earlier in the fifth set, Laure ignited the Titans’ comeback, striking first and capitalizing on a net fault by Thea Gagate to take a quick 2-0 lead. Choco Mucho extended the advantage with Rondina and Madayag combining for an 8-2 run, attacking from multiple angles to dominate the middle and wings.

ZUS Coffee attempted a late push, with Kate Santiago closing the gap to 9-12. Deanna Wong delivered a critical joust win, followed by a clutch kill from Tolentino. Rondina’s final attack closed out the match, leaving the Thunderbelles heartbroken. Riza Nogales led ZUS Coffee with 16 points, followed by Gagate’s 12, and Cess Robles, Chinnie Arroyo, and Santiago contributing nine points each.

Choco Mucho now prepares for another knockout match against Akari on Saturday, keeping their semifinal hopes alive with determination and teamwork.