Choco Mucho’s Deanna Wong reacts during a game against F2 Logistics in the 2022 PVL Open Conference.
MANILA, Philippines — Deanna Wong was in tears after leading Choco Mucho to an all-important win over F2 Logistics to earn the No. 2 spot in Pool A and a twice-to-beat advantage in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference quarterfinals.
Wong delivered 44 excellent sets and nailed five points as the Flying Titans outlasted the Cargo Movers, 21-25, 28-26, 25-20, 25-22, on Thursday at Paco Arena.
“Who won’t be emotional with this kind of victory? It’s something we really worked hard on. Our team deserved the win,” said Wong, whose squad arranged a quarters date with PLDT which finished third in Pool B.
The former Ateneo stalwart said she banked on trust and teamwork to bring out the best of Choco Mucho in its first PVL duel with a powerhouse F2 Logistics side that has won five titles in the Philippine Superliga and last year’s Philippine National Volleyball Federation Champions League.
“It took time to realize that I have to really know my role and my responsibility to the team. I just thought of what’s best for the team in my decision-making. I enjoyed the game and gave my full trust, especially we have a lot of newcomers with only one month of preparation,” Wong said. “It all boils in trust and teamwork.”
Wong was also glad to have Des Cheng on their side after the do-it-all spiker haunted her former team with the crucial attacks in the third and fourth set to finish with 10 points.
“It’s really great because in her own way she’s a leader. It’s really great to have a lot of leaders in the team. And knowing her, former MVP and former champion, it’s great that we get additional learnings from her,” said the setter on her new spiker.
Wong, one of the crowd darlings at Choco Mucho, is elated to have the volleyball fans back at the stands when the quarterfinals begin on Monday.
But the star playmaker remained focused on her team’s goal to win it all as the quarterfinals begin next week.
“It’s great because it’s really a different atmosphere when they’re in the venue. But with or without, my mindset is to remain focused on the game,” Wong said.