Tolentino, Berte, Palec help Flying Titans end skid

Choco Mucho finally broke a five-game slump, repulsing the hard-luck Chef’s Classics, 32-34, 25-12, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11, and keeping its slim semifinal hopes alive in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Bulacan on Saturday.

The Flying Titans fought back from two tight losses in the first and third sets then seized control early in the decider behind Kat Tolentino, Shang Berte and Shannen Palec to end a long skid for a 3-6 card while extending the Red Spikers’ woes to 10 straight games.

Tolentino unleashed a 36-hit game, including four in the fifth frame capped by a backrow hit that ended the grueling rematch of the league’s newcomers while Berte and Palec had two hits apiece in that stretch.

Middle blocker Bea de Leon also provided inspiration as she suited up for Choco Mucho for the first time after missing first-round action while trying to regain her form.

The victory was huge for the young Flying Titans, who had failed to close out previous matches that went the distance, the last three against the league’s top teams—PetroGazz, Air Force and Motolite.

Meanwhile, Air Force battles BanKo-Perlas at Filoil Flying V Centre on Sunday.