Choco Mucho survives PLDT in 5-set thriller, keeps semis hopes alive

Choco Mucho wasted a 2-0 set lead but came alive in the fifth to topple PLDT in five sets, 25-21, 25-17, 22-25, 10-25, 16-14, and keep its campaign going in the 2022 PVL Invitational Conference on Thursday.

Kat Tolentino was unstoppable as she unleashed a game-high 27 points, including five in the fifth set, to go along with 22 digs in her first game back since being placed under health protocols. 

The Flying Titans raced to a quick 2-0 set advantage with the returning Tolentino powering the Oliver Almadro-mentored club.

But PLDT roared back in the third with the troika of Fiola Ceballos, Jules Samonte, and Toni Rose Basas piloting their offense as they snatched the frame, 25-22.

It was a more convincing win in the fourth set for the High Speed Hitters as back-to-back hits coming from Samonte and Ceballos wrapped up a 25-10 victory with PLDT levelling the series.

Choco Mucho then got its groove back in the deciding set as after trailing PLDT by four points, they ignited for a 6-0 spurt to build a much-needed 8-6 cushion.

PLDT regained the lead with a Mika Reyes attack, 12-11, before two consecutive rejections from Choco Mucho put them up again. Tolentino brought them to match point but Basas again knotted the affair at 14.

Ponggay Gaston delivered another smash for their second match point before a Basas attack error sealed the deal for Choco Mucho.

—MGP, GMA News