Sisi Rondina hits the ball as the Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ fans cheer on behind her during Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines —As a lifelong Ginebra fan, Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin knows the impact of the fans’ support on a team’s performance.
And in a crucial stretch on Thursday, the Flying Titans’ purple-clad supporters once proved that to be true.
Alinsunurin saw team draw energy from the their huge fanbase which came in full full force at Philsports Arena as Choco Mucho overcame a 1-5 deficit in the fifth set before eking out a 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 win over PLDT in Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
READ: PVL: Choco Mucho eliminates PLDT to book semifinals berth
“It all started with the fans here. Even if the opponents are ahead, the fans are always supporting us. Their cheers really lift us up and give us energy,” said Alinsunurin in Filipino. “It’s the same thing with Ginebra. I used to watch them, even when they were trailing, but they still had a lot of support.”
But for Alinsunurin, whose team won nine straight games including seven five-set triumphs, the Flying Titans have their own version of the “never-say-die” that has become Ginebra’s identity through the years.
It was evident in Game 1 where they erased a two-set deficit to steal the series opener, and once again in the clincher.
Choco Mucho Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin during Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
“Our ‘never say die’ attitude is what gets us through every situation. We always rely on each other, making sure we maximize what we can do on the court, and we hope to show what we’ve practiced,” he said.
Sisi Rondina, the heart and soul of Choco Mucho, said their fans unending support regardless of their support brings out the best in her.
READ: PVL: Mars Alba caps solid night for Choco Mucho with clutch play
“For me, it’s simple. They never get tired of coming here to support us. We, too, will never get tired of fighting for them, giving them great entertainment, and of course, making them happy. We want their trip and effort to watch us to be worth it,” said Rondina after scoring 21 points and 18 excellent receptions to overcome Savi Davison’s 34-point explosion.
Winning the series against a tough team was all about Choco Mucho’s resilience, the star spiker said.
“We didn’t stop. I’m so proud of our team because everyone can adjust. No matter what their position, if they can contribute, they’ll work hard. We’ll keep working hard because we’ve already played two five-set matches. But first, we all need to rest,” said Rondina.
After becoming the first team to enter the semis, Alinsunurin wants Rondina and the Flying Titans before another intense round.
The former league MVP will continue to draw strength from her teammates and fans.
“It feels so good because, honestly, I was really tired earlier. My knees were giving up, but seeing my teammates, none of them gave up. That pushed me to keep going. So, for me, it’s extra motivation. I won’t quit on my teammates, so we’ll keep working hard,” Rondina said.