MANILA – Choco Mucho Flying Titans kept their Premier Volleyball League Invitational semifinals hopes alive following a 25-22, 25-15, 22-25, 18-25, 15-10 win over Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Cherry Ann Rondina led the way with 29 points, on 25 attacks and four service aces, to go with 11 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions as the Flying Titans improved to 3-1 win-loss slate in Pool B.
Cherry Rose Nunag added 13 markers, including four blocks, while Desiree Cheng and Caitlyn Viray contributed 12 points apiece for the Flying Titans, which will vie for a semifinals seat against Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday.
After winning the first two sets behind the efficient showing of Rondina, the Flying Titans struggled to close out the Angels in the next two sets to send the match into a deciding fifth set.
The Angels took the lead early in the fifth set at 4-1 but the Flying Titans turned things around to take an 8-6 advantage following an attack by Madeleine Madayag and a Petro Gazz error.
Petro Gazz tied the score for the last time at 8-all on a conversion by Nicole Tiamzon but a block by Nunag and three straight points from Viray allowed the Choco Mucho to pull away for good.
Negrense Jonah Sabete top-scored with 16 points, Gretchel Soltones added 15 markers, while Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Mary Remy Palma had 14 and 12 as the Angels dropped to 3-2.
Meanwhile, Foton Tornadoes scored its maiden win in the league after a 18-25, 23-25, 31-29, 25-20, 18-16 win over the Farm Fresh Foxies. The Tornadoes improved to 1-3, while the Foxies dropped to 0-5.
Mary Rhose Dapol shone brightest for the Tornadoes with 28 points, on 25 attacks, two blocks and a service ace, while Ilongga Ma. Shaya Adorador contributed 24 markers in the win.
Kate Santiago and Wewe Estoque had 22 markers apiece as the Foxies ended their maiden PVL conference without a victory./PN
