Choco Mucho’s locals continued to step up without import Marlee Smith, turning back Cignal, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, in the PVL Reinforced Conference on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Smith missed another supposed debut as the team is still processing her papers. But the all-Filipino Flying Titans, led by Maddie Madayag, still proved too much for the Super Spikers.
Madayag tallied 18 points off 11 kills, six blocks, and the game-winning ace while Isa Molde added with 17 points and 13 digs. Libero Thang Ponce, who endured a tough fall in the fourth set, also shone with 32 digs and 20 excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho fought back from a 23-21 deficit in the fourth set. Dindin Santiago-Manabat put the Flying Titans ahead for good, 26-25, before Madayag sealed the victory at the service line.
Deanna Wong tossed in 25 excellent sets, Des Cheng contributed 14 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Kat Tolentino scored 10 for Choco Mucho.
‘I think it really came down to our mindset. We knew we were facing some tough challenges, so we had to work together. And you could really see it in the game-on both defense and offense-we supported each other. That’s why we were able to get the win,’ said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.
Choco Mucho eyes another win on Thursday against a surging PLDT side, which hasn’t lost in 14 games after sweeping the On Tour and Invitational, in their 6:30 p.m. duel at the same venue.
Vanie Gandler paced Cignal with 15 points and 12 receptions, picking up the slack with Greek import Eva Chantava limited to 10 points.
The Super Spikers take on the Farm Fresh Foxies also on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.