PVL: Choco Mucho downs Cignal, enters first finals

FOR the very first time since joining the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) in 2019, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans advanced to the PVL 2nd All Filipino Conference finals after winning against Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday, December 12.

The Flying Titans defeated the HD Spikers 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23 to finish their semifinals series 2-1.

Choco Mucho lost the first game of the best-of-three semifinals, their second loss of the season.

Cignal protested the last ruling on Vanie Gandler by claiming a block touch, delaying Choco Mucho’s celebration of their sudden-death triumph. 

However, after further analysis the event was denied, confirming the Flying Titans’ historic march to a PVL championship.

“Finally, nakapasok na kami ngayon sa championship round. First conference pa lang nakita namin talaga yung naging paghihirap nung team talaga, through second conference,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

“Talagang nagbunga yung paghihirap namin, even the coaching staff and the management na lagi kaming gina-guide sa lahat ng ginagawa namin,” he added.

“Yun, siguro talagang lumabas lang yung kagustuhan namin na manalo at makuha yung Game 3. Kita naman sa mga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata talaga nagbunga yung pagod namin every time na may game kami,” said Alinsunurin.

Sisi Rondina led the Flying Titans with 21 points and 19 excellent receptions on both ends of the floor. Deana Wong threw 24 excellent sets for Choco Mucho, which overcame a 0-1 series deficit in order to meet sister team and defending champion Creamline in the Finals.

“We’re just grateful that we were able to reach the semis,” said Flying Titans ace setter Wong. “But the whole team’s goal is to win the championship. We worked hard for this win and it’s all about teamwork.”

Choco Mucho, which has only finished fourth twice in seven conference appearances, will meet six-time winner Creamline in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals on Thursday, 6 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.