Choco Mucho Flying Titans during a comeback win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Choco Mucho emerged victorious in the first five-setter of the year after scraping past ZUS Coffee, 20-25, 20-25, 25-22, 25-22, 15-9, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at PhilSports Arena.

Sisi Rondina exploded for 25 points, all but one from kills, while Dindin Santiago-Manabat contributed 19 points built on 15 attacks and four blocks as the Flying Titans posted their second consecutive win.

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“‘Yung totally na team effort talaga yung nangyari kasi nung first two sets talagang struggle kami sa timing namin sa ginagawa namin sa opensa, depensa namin, siguro pagdating nung third set, parang medyo gumanda yung galaw namin kasi kung ano yung gusto naming mangyari sa loob ng court, nakukuha na namin,” Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

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Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin, Sisi Rondina, and Deanna Wong after completing a five-set comeback. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/G7w6Y9INbS

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) January 18, 2025

Isa Molde came up with 13 points and 11 excellent digs and Lorraine Pecaña added 11 points, two from blocks and aces as Choco Mucho survived the marathon match for a 4-3 standing.

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The game also marked the return of Deanna Wong. Wong came off the bench in her first game since being sidelined by a knee injury and she proved to be instrumental in the last three frames. She finished with seven points and tossed 10 excellent sets.

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“Like yung blocking namin, nagka-timing na rin kami, yung opensa rin namin, nadi-distribute na rin ni Deanna yung opensa namin dahil sa maganda ring depensa namin. And yun, sana magtuloy tuloy yung ganung galawan namin para mas umangat pa pagdating sa mga game namin,” Alinsunurin said.

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After being down the first two sets, Choco Mucho used a 5-2 run in the third to start its attempt for the reverse sweep. The Titans surged to a 16-9 lead with all the momentum on their side. The Thunderbelles managed to come back from the deficit and tied the fourth frame at 21-all thanks to a 6-0 run.

But Santiago-Manabat scored three consecutive points including a block on young Gayle Pascual before Cherry Nunag launched a quick hit to tie the match at two sets apiece.

Article continues after this advertisement READ: PVL: Deanna Wong moving closer to Choco Mucho return

Deanna Wong on her comeback. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/2BjcqwGSbI

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) January 18, 2025

It was all Choco Mucho in the final frame as it quickly buried ZUS, 9-1, and never looked back.

The Thunderbelles sank to a 3-4 record with a third consecutive loss despite healthy productions by Chai Troncoso, Pascual, Thea Gagate and Mich Gamit.

This is because the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is still studying whether they will grant the price adjustments petitioned by manufacturers.

The DA intends to run the TRO as “a specialized and dedicated office” to comply with the legal and administrative requirements and enhance its capacity to address trade remedy matters.

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Troncoso collected 17 points off 14 attacks and three blocks, Pascual finished with 15 points, Gagate 14 points and Gamit 13 points.

Choco Mucho tries to make it three next game versus PLDT, which is battling rival Akari as of posting time, on Thursday.

ZUS Coffee hopes to get back on track against Capital1 on Saturday.gppbet

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