PVL: Still adjusting, Zoi Faki plays limited role in Choco Mucho win

Choco Mucho import Zoi Faki watches on the bench during a game against ZUS Coffee in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted Greek import Zoi Faki is still adjusting to the team’s system after seeing limited action in the Flying Titans’ first win in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference.

Faki only played in their first set loss to the young ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles as the Flying Titans went All-Filipino for the remainder of the game before she returned in the endgame of the fourth frame to enter the win column in Pool B with a 14-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18 victory on Saturday evening at Philsports Arena.

Alinsunurin explained that he and his coaching staff decided to sub out Faki, who only had four points, as they observed that she’s still figuring things out in her maiden PVL stint.

READ: PVL: Choco Mucho posts first win at expense of ZUS Coffee

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin in the PVL Reinforced Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“Nakita ko lang na hanggang ngayon medyo pagod pa rin si Zoi sa ginagawa namin kaya siguro nag-decide na lang ako — nakita rin ng coaches namin — na mas nababawasan na yung gusto naming gawin sa loob ng court kasi nga mas iniintindi pa namin siya kung ano ang dapat gawin namin,” said Alinsunurin.

“Parang nag doubt na ako today sa ginagawa niya, sa sitwasyon namin ngung first set talaga sobrang yun ang kulang namin eh, yung kung paano kami umopensa, paano kami pumatay ng bola. Doon ko nakita na hindi pa talaga nakaka-adjust si Zoi dito sa sitwasyon na ito. Kaya nag-decide ako, yung coaching staff ko tinanong ko rin sila na kailangan talaga natin magpalit nung una at kailangan ipahinga siya,” he added.

The local crew picked up the slack with Royse Tubino leading the way with 21 points and Isa Molde delivering the goods with 17 points and 12 digs to end a two-game skid and improved to a 1-2 record in Pool B.

“Ako naman sobrang tiwala naman ako sa pinasok ko nung second set kasi yun talaga yung tao ko although si Dindin [Manabat] lang yung nasa loob ng court na bago pero sabi ko nga, madali naman iguide si Dindin kasi kakilala ko na rin siya before pumunta dito kaya kung ano lang yung binibigay ko sa kanya ginagawa naman, may mga bagay pa rin siyang binibigay na mas maganda kaya siguro naging maganda yung naging sitwasyon namin ngayon kasi lahat nag step up and gusto lang talaga manalo,” said Alinusunirin of Manabat, who contributed six points.

Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz chipped in nine and eight points, respectively. Setter Deanna Wong had 20 excellent sets, while libero Thang Ponce posted 13 digs.

READ: PVL: Zoi Faki enjoys PH debut despite Choco Mucho loss

Alinsunurin assured that Faki would regain her playing time, lauding his import’s hard work and dedication in training.

“Sa akin importante lang makapahinga siya para kapag kailangan na namin siya, mas healthy siya pagdating ng game,” he said. “Babalik naman si Zoi, everyday training naman talaga pinupush niya yung sarili niya, sana lang makapahinga siya and pagdating sa mga kailangan namin sa crucial games o kung ano man na dumating na games kakailanganin pa rin namin siya.”

Alinsunurin is just happy that the Flying Titans have gained confidence with their first win as they try to sustain the momentum against Capital1 on Thursday.

“Ngayon siguro madadagdagan yung kumpiyansa namin pagdating sa Capital1 na nandito na ulit kami sa sitwasyon na ito na kailangan naming manalo at magtuloy tuloy lang,” he said.