PVL: Choco Mucho ousts F2 Logistics from semis race with 7th straight win

Sisi Rondina leads Choco Mucho Flyign Titans anew. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho recovered from a first-set loss and eliminated F2 Logistics from the semifinal race, 19-25, 25-8, 25-17, 25-19, for its seventh straight victory in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Philsports Arena.

After a lethargic opening frame, Sisi Rondina and the Flying Titans caught fire in the second set. They scored 14 of the last 15 points, where they dominated the Cargo Movers by 17 points to equalize the match to one-set apiece.

Choco Mucho kept its momentum for the remainder of the match as Rondina unloaded 21 points and 12 excellent receptions to put themselves closer to the semifinal with a 7-1 record tied with Chery Tiggo, behind unbeaten leader Creamline (7-0).

“We got our rhythm in the second, third, and, fourth. That’s what I wanted to them that led to winning this game,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.

F2 Logistics, which lost Jolina Dela Cruz midway through the third set after she hurting her left leg, bombed out of semifinal contention with a 4-5 record. With three straight games losses, it can no longer reach fourth placer Cignal (6-3) with 19 points holding only 12 points with two more games remaining.

Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –PVL

Isa Molde also starred in the Flying Titans’ balanced attack with 13 points including two blocks to go with 14 digs. Cherry Nunag and Kat Tolentino had 10 points each. Caitlin Viray and Maddie Madayag added eight and seven points, respectively.

“I’m super thankful for the trust of my coaches. We’re proving ourselves that we’re finally getting the system of our coaches,” said Molde in Filipino.

Viray agreed with Molde: The team is doing well. We will keep our focus on being more consistent.

Setter Deanna Wong had another day in the office with 24 excellent sets on top of three points, as libero Thang Ponce protected their floor with 23 digs and nine receptions.

No Cargo Movers scored in double figures with Aby Maraño leading the way with nine points including two aces. Ivy Lacsina chipped in eight points. Ara Galang had seven points, 13 receptions, and nine digs, as Dela Cruz, Myla Pablo, and Majoy Baron added six points apiece.

F2 Logistics takes on Chery Tiggo on Saturday before ending its campaign against PLDT on Thursday next week.