MANILA – Choco Mucho Flying Titans secured their first-ever PVL Finals appearance after defeating Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, in the do-or-die semis of the All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Veteran setter Deanna Wong was named Playet of the Game as she finished with 24 excellent sets as the Flying Titans closed out the best-of-three semis series at 2-1.
“We’re just grateful that we were able to reach the semis,” said Wong. “But the whole team’s goal is to win the championship. We worked hard for this win and it’s all about team work.”
Cherry Ann Rondina top-scored with 21 points for the Flying Titans while Kat Tolentino also stepped up offensively with 17 markers, including a number of clutch hits.
Cherry Nunag also took the spotlight with 12 points, the same output put in by Maddie Madayag while Isa Molde added 10 markers for the Flying Titans.
“Finally, nakapasok na kami sa championship round. First conference pa lang nakita namin talaga ‘yung naging paghihirap nung team talaga, through second conference,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Talagang nagbunga ‘yung paghihirap namin, even the coaching staff and the management na lagi kaming gina-guide sa lahat ng ginagawa namin,” he added.
The Flying Titans will have a tough challenge in the best-of-three championship series, which will begin on Thursday, as they face the defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers.
“’Yun, siguro talagang lumabas lang ‘yung kagustuhan namin na manalo at makuha ‘yung Game 3. Kita naman sa mga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata talaga nagbunga ‘yung pagod namin,” Alinsunurin said.
Vanessa Gandler wound up with 20 points, while Frances Molina finished with 19 markers and Jove Gonzaga and Marivic Meneses combined for 15 points for the HD Spikers./PN
