By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Choco Mucho bucked an opening set stumble and turned back a fiesty Petro Gazz side, 23-25, 26-24, 25-19, 25-20, to book a finals return in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night, May 5.
Buoyed by their recent three-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers three days back, the Flying Titans came back more aggressive in all fronts for a three-game sweep of the round-robin semifinals.
The triumph arranged Choco Mucho a best-of-three championship date with sister team Creamline, which it beat in five sets in their semis encounter.
The Cool Smashers earlier advanced to the finals with crushing win over the Crossovers in three sets.
This will also be the second time that Choco Mucho and Creamline are playing for the crown after their exciting duel in the Second All-Filipino Conference in December last year won by the Cool Smashers.
Sisi Rondina caught fire at the attack line once again by challenging Petro Gazz’s defense with her powerful smashes, pumping in 30 kills to finish with 32 points.
“Simula nung pumasok kami sa semis, wala kaming ibang inisip kundi magtrabaho nang mabuti para makapasok ulit kami sa finals,” said Rondina.
“Nagtiwala lang kami sa sistema ni coach. At saka sabi nga ni Maddie (Madayag), sama-sama kaming bababa, sama-sama kaming tataas. Walang iwanan,” she added.
Isa Molde was also a revelation in the two-hour contest, unleashing 13 attacks particularly in pivotal moments to finish with 18 points. Skipper Madayag also lent a helping hand with 11 points, while Royse Tubino and Cherry Nunag conspired for 15 points.
Brooke Van Sickle attempted to steer Petro Gazz after that crucial four-set loss to Creamline by nailing 21 points, but Choco Mucho’s sizzling attacks were too much to handle.
Aiza Pontillas and Jonah Sabete scored 14 points a piece while MJ Phillips was limited to nine points in a losing effort for the Angels, who arranged a battle for third place meeting with the Crossovers.
Game 1 of the finals will be on Thursday, May 9, while Game 2 will be on Sunday, May 12. Game 3, if necessary, will be on May 14.
The remaining matches will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
