MANILA – ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles pulled off a 22-25, 20-25, 25-16, 25-17, 15-10 come-from-behind win against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the knockout round of the PVL on Tour on Tuesday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The victory, which secured the Thunderbelles’ quarterfinals seat, marked their fourth five-set victory of the conference, but the first time they completed a reverse sweep after trailing 0-2.
“Walang magsasawa, five sets lagi,” said outside hitter Chinnie Arroyo after the win. “‘Yun teamwork namin, ‘yun ‘yung tumibay sa kakalaro namin ng five sets. Talagang hindi kami titigil hangga’t hindi kami nakakakuha ng sets.”
Arroyo led the Thunderbelles with 21 points, Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga added 16 points and seven excellent digs as they set up a quarterfinals date with PLDT High Speed Hitters.
Rookie AC Miner also made her presence felt with 14 points, including four blocks, while Ilongga Fiola Ceballos and Kate Santiago chipped in 10 points each, Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets.
Choco Mucho was led by Isa Molde, who returned from injury and fired a game-high 27 points. Royse Tubino added 17, while rookies Ayesha Juegos and Cherry Nunag combined for 21 points.
Meanwhile, Negrense Christine Joy Soyud delivered a strong performance to help lift Akari Power Chargers past the Petro Gazz Angels in straight sets, 32-30, 25-22, 25-19.
Soyud stepped up on offense with 15 points built on 14 attacks, playing a key role in powering Akari into the quarterfinals where they will face the Cignal HD Spikers on Thursday.
Ivy Lacsina top-scored with 16 points, off 12 attacks, three blocks, and one ace, while Gretchel Soltones chipped in 13 points, and Bea Bonafe tallied a career-high of 14 excellent sets.
Myla Pablo led the way with 15 points, while Nicole Tiamzon contributed for the Angels, who played without key players Brooke Van Sickle and MarJana Phillips due to their national team commitments with Alas Pilipinas./PN
