Sisi Rondina, Choco Mucho get back at Cignal to force PVL semis decider

Sisi Rondina leads Choco Mucho to a series-extending win in the PVL Semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Sisi Rondina poured in 23 points as Choco Mucho lived another day and forced a rubber match against Cignal with a 25-23, 25-22, 25-22, sweep in Game 2 of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Saturday at Philsports Arena.

After absorbing a 25-18 25-23, 14-25, 19-25, 10-15 collapse in their series opener two days ago, Rondina and the Flying Titans made sure not to commit the same mistake as they completed a straight-set win over the HD Spikers in one hour and 33 minutes.

Rondina delivered 20 kills, two blocks, and an ace to go with eight excellent receptions, as Kat Tolentino also rose to the occasion with 15 points including two blocks.

“I took [our Game 1 loss] personally. I told my teammates that my mindset is like going to a war so we have to win,” said Rondina in Filipino. “I also told myself that we need to extend the series even if we’re already tired.”

“We just made sure that we will gain the fruit of our hard work. It was a good outcome for us after sticking to coach’s system,” she added.

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Kat Tolentino. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Choco Mucho and Cignal clash in a do-or-die Game 3, fighting for their maiden All-Filipino finals appearance.

“We came here with a mindset to bounce back. All the players delivered, credit to them because they worked hard from the first point until the end,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin in Filipino.

Setter Deanna Wong made 15 excellent sets. Isa Molde and Maddie Madayag had eight points each with the former tallying 10 digs and eight receptions to help out libero Thang Ponce, who had 13 digs.

Tolentino took over when Choco Mucho went down in the third, 17-18, and brought her team to match point, 24-19, with back-to-back kills. Cignal saved three points but Jovelyn Gonzaga’s service error allowed the Flying Titans to force a decider.

Gonzaga led the HD Spikers with 13 points, 10 digs, and seven excellent receptions. Ces Molina had 11 points but she had a rough night with a 10-of-46 attacking clip, while Ria Meneses also scored 11 points including three blocks.