Choco Mucho Flying Titans. PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Choco Mucho delivered its own version of shock and awe against the team that should be doing it in the first place, overpowering Black Mamba Army, 25-13, 25-11, 25-23, Friday in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila.
Already armed with the best collegiate players in the land, the Flying Titans upgraded their firepower over the pre-season — namely Isa Molde, Desiree Cheng and Cherry Nunag — to put their title bid on a high note.
But they experienced a brief scare late in the third set when Lady Troopers kept firing and even took the lead a few times, the last one from a block by Jeanette Villareal for 22-21.
It took a timeout and some sharp words from coach Oliver Almadro to knock the Flying Titans back to their senses with Caitlyn Viray and Deanna Wong drilling the decisive points.
Aside from that, the Flying Titans rendered Lady Troopers a defenseless target all day and inflicted their second straight match. The Flying Titans were unstoppable in attacks, making 17 spikes against the enemy’s four in the second set.
Opposite hitter Kat Tolentino led the Flying Titans with 11 points.
It was a serious blow for the campaign of one of the most successful franchise in the league. With a short format they have to win the last three matches lined up to stand a chance in the next round.