MANILA – Choco Mucho Flying Titans opened their 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign in strong fashion, sweeping Akari Power Chargers, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Cherry Rondina marked her return to indoor volleyball by leading the Flying Titans with 16 points, on 14 attacks, one block, and a service ace, earning Player of the Game honors for Choco Mucho.
Rondina, who led the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball team to a gold medal finish in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, admitted she felt nervous heading into the contest but relied on composure to deliver when it mattered.
“Honestly, hindi ko talaga alam. Sobrang kinabahan ako before the game, nanibago talaga ako sa ambiance. Ang ginawa ko lang talaga ay i-compose ang sarili ko at ibigay ’yung best ko,” Rondina said.
Newcomers Eya Laure and Alina Bicar also made their presence felt, while holdovers Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Deanna Wong, and Thang Ponce provided stability and leadership throughout the match for Choco Mucho.
The Flying Titans took control early with a dominant first set before holding off Akari’s late rally in the second frame. They carried the momentum into the third set to close out the straight-sets victory.
Meanwhile, Cignal Super Spikers made a strong statement to start its campaign dismantling Galeries Tower Highrisers in straight sets, 25-17, 25-14, 25-11.
Ernestine Tiamzon led the way with 18 points and was named Player of the Game after delivering a steady all-around performance that included attacks, blocks, and a string of service aces.
The former De La Salle University Lady Spikers standout was supported by a strong showing from Erika Santos, along with key contributions from Vanie Gandler.
Galeries Tower struggled to keep pace despite efforts from Negrense Erika Deloria and Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, who tried to keep the Highrisers within striking distance./PN
