Choco Mucho overcame a stunning comeback attempt by Farm Fresh, carving out a hard-fought 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-27, 15-12 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, Dec. 12, at the Philsports Arena.
Cherry Nunag emerged as the hero in the decisive fifth set, tallying four crucial points through swift middle attacks, while Isa Molde and Sisi Rondina delivered clutch hits. The high-flying Rondina, despite being met with Farm Fresh’s resolute floor defense, managed to break through during critical moments, contributing key points at endgame.
The Flying Titans thus snapped their two-game losing streak, leveling their record at 3-3, tying the Akari Chargers at fifth. They capitalized on Farm Fresh’s misfortunes, including Trisha Tubu’s early exit due to cramps in the fifth set.
Despite the setback, the Foxies displayed remarkable grit, rallying from a two-set deficit and pushing the match to a decider.
Caitlyn Viray and Alyssa Bertolano spearheaded Farm Fresh’s fourth-set rally, highlighted by a hotly contested sequence where a fair play gesture from Nunag overturned what would have been a match-ending point for Choco Mucho.
With Choco Mucho barely ahead at 9-8 on a four-touch violation by Farm Fresh, the Flying Titans unleashed a four-point burst fueled by Rondina’s spikes, Nunag’s middle attacks, and a critical mishit from Farm Fresh’s backrow.
The Flying Titans held firm to close out the match, securing a much-needed win ahead of the holiday break.
Mars Alba, Choco Mucho’s playmaker, stood out with 25 excellent sets and one point, earning the game’s top honors.
Reflecting on the victory, she emphasized teamwork and the need for consistency.
“Kailangan pa rin namin paghirapan ang pagiging consistent namin. Masaya at magpa-pasko kami na panalo (We still need to work hard on achieving consistency. We’re happy to go into the holiday break with a win,)” said Alba, thanking the fans for their unwavering support.
The Foxies displayed resilience, saving three match points from 9-14 in the fifth set as Caitlyn Viray delivered a powerful hit, Pierre Abellana scored with a clever floating ball, and Maicah Larroza served up an ace to cut the deficit.
However, a net fault by Viray on a block attempt handed the Flying Titans a triumphant close to 2024.
Farm Fresh contested Viray’s net fault, with first referee Jocelyn del Rosario initiating a video challenge. However, the review confirmed that the left open spiker had indeed touched the top of the net while attempting a block, sealing Choco Mucho’s hard-earned victory.
“Masaya kami sa panalo kahit alam naming may mga aspeto kaming kulang. Inexpect din namin na lalaban talaga ang Farm Fresh (We’re happy with the win, even though we know there are aspects we need to improve on. We also expected Farm Fresh to put up a strong fight),” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, acknowledging the Foxies’ spirited effort.
Rondina led the Flying Titans with a stellar 26-point performance, bolstered by 13 excellent receptions and 13 digs in another all-around display. Kat Tolentino contributed 18 points, while Nunag and Molde added 10 markers each to round out the team’s offensive firepower.
The loss snapped Farm Fresh’s two-game winning streak, dropping the Foxies to a 2-3 record, tying with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles at eighth place.
Despite the defeat, Tubu delivered a standout performance with 31 points, carrying the Foxies almost single-handedly in the third and fourth sets. Viray also shone with 15 points, while Bertolano contributed 10 points, 19 receptions, and 12 digs in a gritty effort.
