Choco Mucho keeps quarterfinal bid alive, outplays Chery Tiggo

Choco Mucho kept its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference playoff bid alive after escaping Chery Tiggo on Tuesday, August 13, at PhilSports Arena.

After coming from back-to-back losses to Petro Gazz and Capital1, the Flying Titans stayed in contention for the quarterfinals after overcoming the Crossovers in five sets, 25-16, 25-11, 23-25, 19-25, 15-12.

“I am very happy with their performance because we really need to win this game. I am absolutely thankful that we achieved this win,” coach Dante Alisunurin said during the postgame press conference.

The Flying Titans relied on Mean Mendrez, who is still recovering from a knee procedure, but still managed to lead the team’s offense with a team-high 18 points, including 14 attacks, two blocks, and two aces. 

The outside hitter’s performance helped Choco Mucho snap a two-game losing streak and improve to 2-4 in the standings. 

After dominating in the first and second sets, Choco Mucho seemingly lost its momentum as it faltered its lead to Chery Tiggo. 

The Flying Titans, however, regained their composure, jumping to a red-hot 12-5 lead behind the efforts of Mendrez, and eventually put away the Crossovers.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat contributed 17 points in the victory, while Maddie Madayag tallied 11 markers, including four blocks.

Greek reinforcement Zoi Faki delivered an all-around performance with 10 points, nine excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions.

Meanwhile, Khat Bell paced Chery Tiggo with 25 and 11 excellent receptions, but the Crossovers fell 4-2 after absorbing their second loss of the tournament.

Pauline Gaston added 13 markers, while Ara Galang finished with 10.

Choco Mucho will aim for back-to-back wins when they face Creamline on Saturday, August 17, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Chery Tiggo will look to bounce back against the winless ZUS Coffee on the same date and venue.