Two-Set Deficit Turns Into Dramatic Siklab Series Victory
Eya Laure and Sisi Rondina-Rosales led Choco Mucho past Capital1 after losing the opening two sets in Cebu. The Flying Titans prevailed 22-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8 in their PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series opener.
Choco Mucho Flips Match After Two-Set Deficit
Choco Mucho dropped the opening two sets before responding with three consecutive wins at SM Seaside Cebu Arena. Jonash Dannug of Tiebreaker Times chronicled the comeback, which followed coach Dante Alinsunurin’s challenge after the second set.
The Flying Titans claimed the third set 25-17 and then forced a decider with a 25-20 fourth-set victory. Alinsunurin credited his players’ response while explaining the message he delivered after Capital1 seized a two-set advantage.
“Siguro in-accept nila ‘yung challenge ko after nung second set. Talagang nag-focus ako sa galit para sa kanila,” Alinsunurin said.
Image from: pvlph / Instagram
Alinsunurin Demands a Winning Mentality
Alinsunurin challenged his players to prioritize collective determination over individual ability following their difficult start against Capital1. His postmatch remarks also emphasized sustaining that response beyond the opening contest of the new PVL campaign.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na hindi ko kailangan kung magaling ka, kailangan ko ‘yung team na gustong manalo. ‘Yun siguro, na-challenge sila. Sobrang thankful ako sa naging response nila. Sana hindi ngayon lang ‘to, sana marami pa ring magawa sa next game namin,” he added.
Eya Laure Delivers Complete Return for Choco Mucho
Laure led Choco Mucho with 22 points, all from attacks, in her return to domestic league competition. She also registered 15 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs during the five-set victory over Capital1.
Laure entered the PVL opener after representing the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Her return coincided with Rondina-Rosales’ own comeback from national-team duty, giving Choco Mucho two experienced attacking options.
Laure Posts 22 Points With Strong Backcourt Numbers
The league’s official match record lists Laure with 22 attacks, zero blocks, and zero service aces. Her 15 receptions and 11 digs complemented those attacking points during the Flying Titans’ opening victory.
Rondina Takes Over During Deciding Set
Rondina-Rosales scored 12 points, including three consecutive points during the decisive fifth set against the Solar Spikers. Choco Mucho led 9-5 before Vanie Gandler scored twice to reduce Capital1’s deficit to two points.
Rondina-Rosales then sparked a five-point run that pushed Choco Mucho ahead 14-7 before the final exchanges. Bella Belen blocked Kat Tolentino to extend the contest, but Pia Abbu’s service error sealed the comeback.
Three-Point Burst Pushes Choco Mucho Toward Victory
The match lasted two hours and 13 minutes before Rondina-Rosales celebrated the victory in front of fellow Cebuanos. Her three-point burst came after Capital1 narrowed the deciding-set margin, turning a tense finish into match point.
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Flying Titans Find Contributions Across Rotation
Maddie Madayag contributed 11 points, while newcomer Lorene Toring added five points, including three kill blocks. Setter Alina Bicar supplied 16 excellent sets while sharing playmaking duties with veteran teammate Deanna Wong.
Dawn Catindig added 16 excellent digs, strengthening Choco Mucho’s defensive contribution during its five-set season opener. The Flying Titans also received production from their middle blockers and setters alongside Laure and Rondina-Rosales.
Choco Mucho Holds Narrow Edge in Attacks and Blocks
The PVL credited Choco Mucho with a narrow 66-65 advantage in attacks and a 12-9 edge in blocks. Capital1 held a 5-2 advantage in service aces despite losing the match after winning two sets.
Capital1 Shows Promise Despite Painful Collapse
Capital1 won the first two sets behind a revamped roster but could not finish its opening assignment. Erika Santos matched Laure’s 22-point total, while Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler each contributed 15 points.
Belen added 15 excellent receptions and 15 excellent digs, while Gandler recorded 14 excellent receptions. Those totals accompanied a strong start that nevertheless ended in a five-set defeat against Choco Mucho.
Pepito and Coronel Make Immediate Capital1 Impact
Second overall draft pick Detdet Pepito registered 29 excellent digs in her first match with Capital1. Julia Coronel contributed 27 excellent sets and five points in her debut directing the Solar Spikers’ offense.
Capital1’s next scheduled opponent was Akari at Ynares Center in Antipolo, following its opening defeat in Cebu. Choco Mucho was likewise scheduled to face ZUS Coffee at the same venue in its next assignment.
Analytical Breakdown: The Fifth Set Belonged to Rondina
Laure’s two-way production gave Choco Mucho stability when its early offense struggled, combining reliable scoring with valuable backcourt contributions. Rondina’s fifth-set surge highlighted Choco Mucho’s attacking depth, providing another trusted option when Capital1 threatened to regain momentum. Stronger opening execution remains essential, because consistently chasing early deficits can eventually overwhelm even Choco Mucho’s experienced and balanced lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won Choco Mucho versus Capital1?
Choco Mucho defeated Capital1 in five sets, completing a reverse sweep after dropping the first two frames.
How many points did Eya Laure score?
Laure scored 22 points from attacks while adding 15 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
How many points did Sisi Rondina score?
Rondina-Rosales scored 12 points, including three consecutive points during Choco Mucho’s decisive fifth-set rally against Capital1.
What were Bella Belen’s statistics against Choco Mucho?
Belen finished with 15 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 15 excellent digs during Capital1’s opening defeat.
Who will Choco Mucho play next?
Choco Mucho was scheduled to face ZUS Coffee next at Ynares Center in Antipolo after its Cebu victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from The Freeman on Facebook.
