By Adrian Stewart Co

Choco Mucho edged fellow Philippine-based team Rebisco, 22-25, 25-17, 25-19, 25-17, in the classification round of the 21st Asian Women’s Club Volleyball Championship yesterday at the Terminal 21 in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.

Filipina-Hawaiian Tyler Marie Kalei Mau spearheaded the offense anew for the Odjie Mamon-mentored Choco Mucho, while Marjana Philips also showed prowess as they finally tasted a win in the week-long tournament.

Choco Mucho was on top for most part of the opening set before Rebisco unloaded a 7-2 scoring run, capped by a quick kill by Ivy Lacsina to snatch the set.

Choco Mucho and Rebisco were on a tight battle in the second set with the former just barely ahead, 10-9, before surging to a 17-10 edge on conversions from Mau and Philips.

Choco Mucho went on to build a 24-14 advantage with hits from Philips, Aklanon Dell Palomata and Deanna Wong. Rebisco rallied to within 17-24 but an error from them allowed Choco Mucho to take the second set.

Choco Mucho continued its rampage in the third as it turned a slim 8-5 lead to an 16-11 advantage with powerful hits from Mau, Philips and Mylene Paat and the blocking of Marivic Meneses.

Rebisco trimmed the deficit to 16-20 but Choco Mucho answered back with points from Meneses and Paat to reach the set point at 24-16. Rebisco made its last push courtesy of Kim Dy but an error from her gave Choco Mucho the set.

Rebisco opened the fourth frame with a 7-4 advantage but Choco Mucho kept the match close at 11-10 before pulling away at 18-12 with consecutive points from Philips, Mau and Paat.

After back-to-back points by Rebisco to cut its deficit to 16-19, Choco Mucho retaliated with a 6-1 swing via conversions from Mau and Angel Cayuna and an ace by Wong to clinch the win.

Choco Mucho will face Kazakhstan club Zhetysu at 1:30 p.m. today for a chance to finish the tournament at fifth place, while Rebisco ends their campaign at seventh and last place./ASC, WDJ