By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Cherry Rondina was solid in her indoor volleyball return as the Choco Mucho Flying Titans scored a 25-14, 25-7, 25-16 sweep over the Farm Fresh Foxies in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday night, June 29.
The former University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses star tallied 14 points on 13 attacks and one block, to go with five excellent receptions, as the Flying Titans opened their campaign on a winning note.
“It wasn’t difficult at all for me to join [Choco Mucho]. My mindset is just to work hard,” Rondina, who played her first indoor volleyball game in four years after she turned her focus on beach volleyball, said.
Caitlin Viray contributed 13 points, Deanna Wong had eight points with five service aces, two blocks and an attack, along with eight excellent sets, while Cherry Nunag and Desiree Cheng ended with six points each for the Flying Titans.
Choco Mucho went to work early as they jumped to a quick double-digit lead in the first set for a 25-14 win before unloading 13 straight points at a stretch in the second set for a dominant 25-7 victory.
The Flying Titans’ onslaught continued in the third set as they erected a 14-5 advantage, with head coach Dante Alinsunurin drawing contributions from his off-the-bench players to end the match in three sets.
“It’s a good game for our team because we saw our plans come to fruition, especially in our service-receive. Our percentage increased, and it dictated the tempo for us in every set,” Alinsunurin said.
Trisha Tubu finished with seven points, while Zamantha Nolasco and Kate Santiago added four points each as the PVL newcomer Foxies suffered their second straight defeat.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz Angels survived a tough challenge from the Foton Tornadoes for a 25-23, 22-25, 25-22, 25-20 victory and recorded their first win in two games. Gretchel Soltones top-scored for the Angels with 17 points.
On the other hand, Creamline Cool Smashers gave newcomer Quezon City Gerflor Defenders a rude welcome with a 25-18, 25-12, 25-11 beating and notched their second win in as many matches./ASC, WDJ