Still on top, Choco Mucho circles Creamline playdate

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Royse Tubino in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. — PVL PHOTO

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin has bested most of the teams in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) except for one: sister team Creamline.

And ahead of the Flying Titans’ anticipated rematch against previous All-Filipino Conference Finals rival and eventual champion Creamline, Alinsunurin is thrilled to get another crack at the Cool Smashers.

“I am excited to face Creamline because in my coaching here in the PVL, it is the only team left which I haven’t defeated,” Alinsunurin told the Inquirer in Filipino after a lopsided triumph versus eliminated Strong Group.

The Flying Titans, who cruised to a fourth straight win, dominated the Athletics with a 25-17, 25-15, 25-15 decision on Saturday to bolster its position atop the league standings with a 8-1 (win-loss) card as the semifinals nears.

Behind the league leaders are PLDT and Creamline, which are a game behind at 7-1, while tied at third are Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo who each have 6-2 records.

Key additions

Creamline, who finished last conference without a blemish, had Choco Mucho’s number for most of its head-to-head encounters and that is something that Alinsunurin hopes he can change with his Flying Titans, who had some additions during the offseason.

“We will maximize the system that we have been executing all conference long,” Alinsunurin said. “That will start from the mindset of the young ones to have a good receive and serve.”

Playing without starting opposite hitter Kat Tolentino for some time now, Choco Mucho’s excellent play remained intact thanks to Royse Tubino, who has been filling in the void left by her teammate.

Tolentino has been sidelined by an auditory condition and is still recovering according to the statement released by its management.

Tubino produced 17 points like main Choco Mucho weapon Sisi Rondina to bury Strong Group.

“My mindset is that my teammates and coaches need me to step up; Because Kat is not here, I need to step up for them and Choco Mucho,” Tubino told reporters.

“Kat has a big role for me because she is reliable inside the court … but Royse can fill up her position and what’s important is the team effort,” Alinsunurin said. “Teamwork is needed to work for each set.”

Rondina has continued to be a force to be reckoned with—and the seasoned mentor feels that spreading the minutes is a way to ease the pressure on his hardworking ace.