BY ABBY TORALBA
FIGHTING for dear life, Choco Mucho sprung a big surprise on PLDT, scoring a thrilling 25-21, 25-17, 22-25, 10-25, 16-14 decision yesterday to keep its semifinals hopes alive in the PVL Invitational Conference at The Arena in San Juan.
Opposite spiker Kat Tolentino, back after missing several matches due to undisclosed reasons, shone for the Flying Titans with 27 points and 22 digs, while open hitter Isa Molde pumped in 11 markers.
Middle blockers Cherry Rose Nunag and skipper Bea De Leon fired 10 points apiece, open spiker Gaston added nine markers, and libero Denden Lazaro-Revilla contributed 23 excellent receptions and 22 digs for Choco Mucho.
The hard-earned triumph halted the Flying Titans’ three-game losing skid, counting a 22-25, 14-25, 22-25 defeat at the hands Creamline six days ago.
The High Speed Hitters, coming off a 17-25, 25-11, 25-20, 25-18 victory over Army last Saturday, fell to 3-2.
“That’s what I was asking from the team, to never say die team in this league. Iyon na naman, kung saan kami nagstart, my players are not really hundred percent in terms of condition, but Kat (Tolentino) is hundred percent in character, iyon lang naman ang pinanghahawakan ko,” Flying Titans coach Oliver Almadro said.
“I’m always telling Ponggay (Gaston) it’s not about what you did in the first (set) but what matters is iyong she made the right point at the right time and that’s what I’m telling my players — the character,” he added.
