In a display of power and finesse, Sisi Rondina set the tone for Choco Mucho while Kat Tolentino provided the finishing kick as the Flying Titans scuttled the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-18, 25-20, 25-21, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Thursday night, March 14.
Rondina re-displayed her exceptional athleticism and scoring prowess, pumping in 23 points marked by her high-flying hits that left the HD Spikers struggling to defend, powering the Flying Titans to their fourth consecutive victory and in a tie with the Creamline Cool Smashers at 4-0.
When Rondina faced resistance from Cignal’s tough defense late in the third set, Tolentino took over, delivering decisive plays in the closing moments, including a powerful kill and a resounding block against Vanie Gandler.
Rondina emphasized the team’s mindset of aiming for victory while acknowledging the strength of the HD Spikers. She also underlined the importance of teamwork and credited their success to their commitment in training and addressing their weaknesses, particularly in service reception.
“Coming into this match, our mindset was to win. I can’t say that the game was easy because we also respect Cignal. But as long as everything clicked and coach Dante Alinsunurin’s system was there, everything went well,” said Rondina in Pilipino.
The former UST star didn’t only showcase her scoring prowess but also her defensive skills, finishing with eight excellent receptions and eight digs.
Tolentino finished with 11 points while Isa Molde added seven markers and Maika Ortiz and Mars Alba scored four points each.
In a duel of unbeaten teams, Choco Mucho showed endgame poise in the first two sets, turning what was expected to be a close contest into a comfortable victory.
From a 16-all count in the first set, Choco Mucho uncorked a decisive 9-2 roll to post the seven-point win then shattered a deadlock at 19 in the next with another strong windup, capped by a Rondina through-the-block hit off an out-of-system play.
The HD Spikers actually threatened at 14-15 in the third, but Rondina soared for another thunderous attack and the Flying Titans maintained control coming out of the second technical timeout.
Chin Basas pumped in a hit and Ces Molina foiled Ortiz’s attack as the HD Spikers moved to within, 19-20. But Tolentino scored on a backrow attack and Rondina made up for Regine Arocha’s service miscue in the previous play with another power hit, giving the Flying Titans a two-point cushion.
Cignal, which drew 9 points from Molina, eight from Riri Meneses, seven from Roselyn Doria and six and five markers from Gel Cayuna and Jovelyn Gonzaga, respectively, dropped to 3-1 in a tie with Petro Gazz and PLDT.
