Choco Mucho Flying Titan’s Sisi Rondina celebrates as her team enters the PVL Finals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—The ending of the match between Choco Mucho and Creamline in Game 3 of the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals was filled with much tension.
While the Flying Titans came out on top after four grueling sets, the journey getting there wasn’t rosy.
Just ask Sisi Rondina, who had a whirlwind of emotions in the final moments of the game.
Choco Mucho had a Finals ticket within reach, 24-23, in the fourth period before Vanie Gandler unloaded on a down-the-line attack that sailed out.
Before the Flying Titans could celebrate, though, HD Spikers coach Shaq Delos Santos raised a block/touch challenge and said a point should be given to Cignal to extend the set.
“I was nervous because I thought the ball went inside. In my point of view, her (Gandler) shot went inside. But I asked ‘is it a check ball?’ and they said no,” explained Rondina, who finished with 21 points.
With celebrations halted, the Flying Titans waited with bated breath as they watched the big screen inside Philsports Arena for review.
CHALLENGE UNSUCCESSFUL… AND IT FEELS OH SO GOOD FOR CMFT.
WATCH: The Flying Titans watch in suspense until it was revealed that Cignal’s challenge for a block touch was unsuccessful. #PVL2023 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/3T0EFgneEC
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) December 12, 2023
As luck would have it, Gandler’s attack did not hit any of Choco Mucho’s blockers which ultimately sealed the deal for coach Dante Alinsunurin’s wards.
“I thought what they (Cignal) challenged was whether the ball went in or out. That’s where I got nervous so I hoped that it was a block/touch challenge because the bench said there was none (touch). So when I saw [the replay], I knew it was done,” the former Golden Tigress explained further.
Even Kat Tolentino, who had 17 points in the dub, asked Rondina again if the ball went in and the latter responded humorously.
“But did it go in?” asked Tolentino.
“‘Di ko alam, bhie! (I don’t know!)” responded Rondina.
But with all the challenges and celebrations virtually done as they brace for war in 48 hours and Rondina vowed to continue working for Choco Mucho as they face a formidable foe in sister team Creamline.
“Of course, work continues and we’ll perform properly while connecting with the same mindset. We’re always ready against whoever we’ll face. We know that Creamline will give us a good fight and we’ll fight, as well.”