By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Choco Mucho found itself on familiar territory over the weekend after booking a championship berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
But unlike in the past where they were shocked of their feat, the Flying Titans appeared more self-assured this time in clinching their second finals appearance since joining the league in 2019.
“I’m just proud of our team’s confidence especially in this stage of the conference,” said Choco Mucho skipper Maddie Madayag moments after they swept the three-game semifinals.
“Kasi dati, nagugulat pa kami na nananalo kami. We’re just very happy and grateful na dinala kami dito for another chance to get the championship,” she added.
Even their coach Dante Alinsunurin saw that confidence even at the start of the conference, finishing second in the eliminations with a 9-2 win-loss record before beating Creamline, Chery Tiggo and most recently, Petro Gazz, in the round-robin semis for another shot at the title.
“Nakita ko sa players, coaches and management na pumunta kami dito para kunin yung panalo,” said Alinsunurin.
He was referring to their title defeat to sister team Creamline in the Second All-Filipino Conference in December last year.
Incidentally, they are facing the Cool Smashers in their best-of-three titular showdown starting on Thursday, May 9, which is expected to be another thrilling rematch after Game 2 of last year’s finals drew a record of 24,459 fans.
Apart from renewed confidence, Alinsunurin said his team is hungry for that breakthrough title.
“Siguro yung edge namin yung gutom namin na makakuha ng finals or championship. Kasi eto na yung matagal na hinihintay ng mga players and coaches eh,” he said.
Madayag echoed the same sentiments.
“You can see it in our eyes, na gusto naming manalo kasi syempre naka-experience na kaming makapag-finals last conference. So ganun pala yung feeling, masarap. Gusto namin ulit, we want more,” she said.
This time, though, they aim to change the narrative and finally win that coveted title.
