MANILA – Choco Mucho Flying Titans chalked up its second straight-set win after a 25-21, 25-19, 25-18 sweep of Cignal HD Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Cherry Ann Rondina tallied a game-high 18 points with 16 attacks and two aces, along with 10 excellent digs and five excellent receptions, as the Flying Titans improved to a 2-1 slate.
Kat Tolentino flourished with 14 points, middle blocker Maddie Madayag banged in 12 points, including three blocks, and Isa Molde posted an impressive 11-point effort as she took over the spot from injured Desiree Cheng.
“We prepared hard against the HD Spikers since we have not beaten them for a long time,” said Choco Mucho libero Thang Ponce, who finished with 18 excellent digs and three receptions to be named Player of the Game.
Roselyn Doria stepped up to match Frances Molina’s 11-point output but Vanie Gandler, Jovelyn Gonzaga and Riri Meneses scored just six points apiece for the HD Spikers, which slipped to 1-2.
Creamline Cool Smashers, meanwhile, flaunted their bench depth as they scored a 25-15, 25-12, 25-10 sweep over Quezon City Gerflor Defenders as they remained undefeated in three games.
According to head coach Sherwin Meneses, the game against the Defenders was a good chance for him to use some of the Cool Smashers players who were not utilized in their previous games.
“The opportunity to play is very important. But my bench players can also play as starters. So, it’s a good problem,” said Meneses. “They just need consistency to be able to play every game.”
Aside from Michele Gumabao, Diana Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, and Jessica Galanza, who combined for 18 points, also given the opportunity were the likes of Pau Soriano, Rose Vargas, Jeanette Panaga, and Lorie Bernardo.
Akari Power Chargers, for their part, cruised to their best start in the PVL after a 21-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21 triumph over Farm Fresh Foxies. Dindin Santiago-Manabat had another solid game of 22 points to lead the 3-1 Power Chargers./PN
