Choco Mucho Forces Decider in PVL Bronze Medal Series, Eyes Third Place Amid Championship Outcome
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans staved off elimination in dramatic fashion, overcoming the Akari Chargers 25-18, 25-22, 27-29, 25-19 in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference bronze medal series Thursday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The victory levels the best-of-three series at 1-1, setting up a winner-takes-all Game 3—but the Flying Titans’ fate now hinges on the championship finale between Petro Gazz and Creamline.
Match Breakdown Choco Mucho appeared poised for a sweep after dominating the first two frames, fueled by Sisi Rondina’s relentless attacks and Royse Tubino’s clutch plays. The Flying Titans squandered three match points in a marathon third set, however, as Akari’s Michelle Cobb and Dindin Santiago-Manabat ignited a 29-27 comeback. Undeterred, Choco Mucho regrouped in the fourth, with Rondina delivering critical crosscourt kills and Tubino sealing the win with a decisive block.
Rondina, the league’s 2024 All-Filipino Best Outside Spiker, spearheaded the effort with 26 points, including 22 attacks and three blocks. Tubino added 18 markers, while Thang Ponce anchored the defense with 20 digs and 15 excellent receptions.
Bronze Medal Implications The series outcome now intertwines with the PVL Finals. If Petro Gazz defeats Creamline in the championship, Choco Mucho will automatically claim bronze via the FIVB tiebreak system, having secured a superior set ratio during the preliminary round. A Creamline title, however, would force a decisive Game 3 between Choco Mucho and Akari on April 12.
Strategic Adjustments Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin credited his team’s composure after the third-set collapse. “We trusted our system and stayed disciplined in reception,” he said post-match. Akari’s Takayuki Minowa lamented missed opportunities, particularly in late-set execution.
What’s Next All eyes shift to the PVL Finals, where Petro Gazz—led by Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips—aims to dethrone defending champions Creamline. The Angels hold a psychological edge after topping the preliminaries, but the Cool Smashers counter with Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos’ veteran prowess.
For Choco Mucho, the bronze would cap a season of resurgence under Alinsunurin, who has transformed the once-middle-tier squad into a perennial contender. Meanwhile, Akari seeks its first podium finish since joining the league in 2022.
Final resolution of the bronze medal series awaits the conclusion of the PVL championship match.