Choco Mucho spoiled Bella Belen’s much-awaited PVL debut after sweeping Choco Mucho, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, to kick off its Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note on Tuesday night at Ynares Center Montalban.
The Flying Titans flaunted their depth, as a revitalized Kat Tolentino, who missed the All-Filipino action and preseason due to appendicitis, gave them a big lift with 15 points off 12 kills, two blocks, and an ace. The veteran opposite spiker also had 11 digs.
Just like in the first game, Choco Mucho and Capital1 played without their imports after the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PNVF) failed to release the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) in time for the opener.
‘It was a great win because, like I always say, when our team is complete, we can do a lot. We have a lot of players we can rely on. In this game, we really saw how everyone helped each other. That’s what got us the win,’ said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.
‘Even though we struggled with our receiving at first, we still managed to execute what we wanted to do on the court. Everything just started to connect. Whoever came in really stepped up and performed.’
The Flying Titans squandered a 15-10 lead in the third, as the Solar Spikers took a 22-21 advantage.
Choco Mucho, however, regrouped behind Maddie Madayag, who was fresh from a Japan SV.League and Alas Pilipinas stints. Madayag drilled back-to-back blocks to highlight the Flying Titans’ closing 4-1 spurt.
Isa Molde added 14 points, Lorraine Pecana had eight points, Des Cheng had seven points and 11 excellent receptions, while Deanna Wong had 22 excellent sets as the Flying Titans’ collective effort overcame Belen’s strong opening showing.
Belen, a three-time UAAP champion and MVP out of National University, showed why she’s the top overall pick with a game-high 20 points, 19 coming off kills on top of 18 digs and 12 receptions.
Her Alas teammate Leila Cruz backstopped her with 18 points.