Choco Mucho Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong sidelined during a PVL All-Filipino Cup game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin said that injured setter Deanna Wong has started ball training with the team in the hopes of returning next year for the resumption of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Wong missed the Flying Titans’ first six games due to a nagging knee injury and Alinsunurin showed confidence in his setter’s recovery progress but did not provide a specific timetable yet for her comeback.
READ: PVL: Deanna Wong return to Choco Mucho still uncertain
“She already started ball training, and maybe by next year, you’ll see her,” she said.said Alinsunurin after Choco Mucho overcame Farm Fresh, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-27, 15-12, on Thursday evening at Philsports Arena.
Despite her absence, Mars Alba has been stepping up for the Flying Titans, who split their first six games, holding a 3-3 record in seventh place before heading to a long holiday.
Alba, who had 25 excellent sets against Farm Fresh, is grateful for the support she’s been receiving from her coaches and teammates as she embraces the main setter role.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans setter Deanna Wong sidelined during a PVL All-Filipino Cup game. –PVL PHOTO
However, Alba admitted that she is still working on her self-confidence in leading the Cool Smashers.
“For me, it’s more personal. My older teammates are there to support me, but I just need to regain my own confidence. Slowly, it’s getting there. I hope it continues,” Alba said.
READ: PVL: Deanna Wong embracing limited role for Choco Mucho
When the Foxies tested the character of the Flying Titans by forcing a fifth set, Alba just banked on Sisi Rondina and Co. as well as her coach’s system to end the year 2024 on a winning note.
“I just really trusted the people inside, because it was decision-making time. It was a close fight, so our movements had to be precise at the end,” she said. “But for myself, I know I still have room to improve. I just need to keep working hard so we’re more prepared for whatever happens in the next games.”
For Alinsunurin, Choco Mucho still needs to work on its efficiency and team chemistry entering the crucial stage of the six-month tournament next year.
“We really need to focus on the team’s chemistry, maybe more team building and bonding so that we all have the same goal in mind,” he said.