Choco Mucho Flying Titans celebrate during a win over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–After losing two consecutive matches, Choco Mucho finally chalked up a win in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.
The Flying Titans scratched a first set deficit and carved out a 14-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 victory against ZUS Coffee behind Royse Tubino and Isa Molde.
“At last, we won this conference. We have waited for this a long time even in our first two games,” coach Dante Alinsunurin said in Filipino. “We felt down after those two losses but in our game today we maximized our advantage … I hope this continues in our next games.”
READ: PVL: Oly Okaro, Akari send Choco Mucho to 0-2 start
Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, Royse Tubino, and Maddie Madayag after their first win in the Reinforced Conference. #PVL2024 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/YVxuUiCMx0
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) July 27, 2024
With Alinsunurin opting to sideline import Zoi Faki, Tubino poured in 21 attack points and Molde 17 points with Deanna Wong tossing 20 excellent sets. Molde was also present on the defense with 12 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
“[My motivation was] just to go to work because that’s what coach always says: to work for the points, dig and receive and the mindset that when you step on the court, do your best,” Tubino said in Filipino.
Maddie Madayag added nine points, including two aces, while Faki only had four as Choco Mucho improved to 1-2 standing.
“We’re just really happy to get that win so we would also be confident coming into the next game,” Madayag said. “As you can see in the first set we were still down like we were still feeling the weight of the losses but I am really grateful that ate Royse stepped up as well as Isa, Thang [Ponce] with her defense and even Deanna.”
“Maybe that’s what was missing because the skills were there. We were still feeling it out at first because it’s like a totally new core inside,” she added.
READ: PVL: Zoi Faki enjoys PH debut despite Choco Mucho loss
The Thunderbelles absorbed a third consecutive loss in as many games even with Japanese import Asaka Tamaru’s 23-point performance and Gayle Pascual 12 points behind Cloanne Mondonedo’s 20 excellent sets.
Hungry for that first win and already having the momentum with a 2-1 set advantage, Choco Mucho rushed to an 18-5 lead in the fourth set.
ZUS Coffee had a late run, 7-1 , to try and extend the match but it was already too late as Faki, who returned inside late in the fourth frame, scored off a cross-court kill.
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Both teams committed errors before Maika Ortiz nailed a running attack for the Flying Titans’ anticipated win.
“I just reminded the team to forget about the first two games and focus on the game today. We were successful in that but we still have to work,” Madayag said as Choco Mucho tries to follow up its performance against Capital1 next on Thursday.