Choco Mucho sets up dream PVL finals clash vs. Creamline, beats Cignal

Choco Mucho needed to shrug off a second set hitch and a late rally from Cignal to eke out a 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23 win in Game 3 of their semifinals series and advance to the finals of 2023 Second PVL All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday.

The Flying Titans clinched their first-ever finals berth, setting up a much-awaited championship clash with sister team and defending champion Creamline starting on Saturday, December 16.

But Choco Mucho had to show off its best form before making it to its inaugural finals appearance.

After letting the second set slip, the Flying Titans squandered an early lead in the third set with Vanie Gandler tying things up at 18-all to put the HD Spikers back in the game before Sisi Rondina forced another deadlock at 22-all.

A quick attack from Chery Nunag and a Kat Tolentino rejection against Ces Molina eventually gave Choco Mucho an extended 26-24 victory to move a set away from the finals.

Cignal continued to pound on Choco Mucho in the fourth frame as Gel Cayuna won a joust while Riri Meneses' block on Isa Molde pulled the HD Spikers to within one, 21-22, but Nunang returned an overpass from Gandler to take a two-point cushion.

Tolentino's fine showing proved pivotal for Choco Mucho as the former Ateneo opposite spiker took advantage of a late block from Gandler and Meneses to secure the match point at 24-22. Gandler still saved one match point but her attack error cost them the game and handed the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored squad the tough win.

Rondina paced Choco Mucho with a double-double of 21 points and 19 excellent receptions while Tolentino and Maddie Madayag chipped in 17 and 12 markers apiece. Nunag added 12 points for the cause while Molde made her presence felt on the defense with 14 digs and 12 receptions on top of 10 points.

Gandler and Molina carried the fight for Cignal, tallying 20 and 19 points each with the latter collecting eight digs and nine receptions as well.

—JMB, GMA Integrated News