MANILA – Choco Mucho Flying Titans spoiled the much-anticipated debut of top overall pick Mhicaela Belen, escaping with a 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 sweep of Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
Veteran opposite Kat Tolentino powered the Flying Titans with 15 points built on 13 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while Isa Molde and Maddie Madayag added 14 and 13 markers, respectively.
Choco Mucho’s balanced offense and solid net defense proved crucial in closing out each tight set, with Madayag anchoring the frontline and libero Thang Ponce steady on floor defense with 16 digs and 11 receptions.
It was also a welcome return for several key Flying Titans. Madayag came back from her stint with Japan’s Kurobe Aqua Fairies, while Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Tolentino made successful returns from injuries that sidelined them in the previous season.
Belen, meanwhile, had a respectable PVL debut for the Solar Spikers, leading her team with 20 points, including 19 attacks, while Leila Jane Cruz added 18 markers.
In the first game, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles overcame Akari Power Chargers in a thrilling five-set battle, 24-26, 25-23, 17-25, 26-24, 15-7, to open their campaign on a winning note.
Riza Nogales led the Thunderbelles with 15 points built on 11 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chinnie Arroyo added 14 points each. Fiola Ceballos chipped in 13, and Kate Santiago had 11.
After losing the opening set, ZUS Coffee battled back to tie the match before Akari regained the upper hand in the third. But the Thunderbelles showed grit in the fourth set and dominated the decider, racing to an early lead before sealing the win after two hours and 32 minutes of play.
Christine Joy Soyud topscored for the Chargers with 22 points from 21 attacks and one block. Chenie Tagaod and Celine Domingo followed with 12 and 9 markers, respectively.
All four teams played without their foreign reinforcements, as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has yet to endorse the International Transfer Certificates (ITCs) needed for imports to suit up./PN
