By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans secured their first-ever seat in the PVL All-Filipino Conference finals after defeating the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 23-25, 26-24, 25-23, in the do-or-die semis at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, December 12.
Veteran setter Deanna Wong was named Player of the Game after she finished with 24 excellent sets as the Flying Titans closed out the best-of-three semis series at 2-1.
“We’re just grateful that we were able to reach the semis,” Wong said.
“But the whole team’s goal is to win the championship. We worked hard for this win, and it’s all about teamwork,” she added.
Cherry Ann Rondina top-scored with 21 points for the Flying Titans, while Kat Tolentino also stepped up offensively with 17 markers, including a number of clutch hits.
Cherry Nunag also took the spotlight with 12 points, the same output as Maddie Madayag, while Isa Molde added 10 markers for the Flying Titans.
“Finally, nakapasok na kami sa championship round. First conference pa lang, nakita namin talaga ‘yung naging paghihirap nung team through second conference,” Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin said.
“Talagang nagbunga ‘yung paghihirap namin, even the coaching staff and the management na lagi kaming gina-guide sa lahat ng ginagawa namin,” he added.
The Flying Titans will have a tough challenge in the best-of-three championship series, which will begin on Thursday, December 14, as they face the defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers.
“‘Yun siguro, talagang lumabas lang ‘yung kagustuhan namin na manalo at makuha ‘yung Game 3. Kita naman sa mga pinagtrabahuhan ng mga bata, talaga nagbunga ‘yung pagod namin,” Alinsunurin said.
Vanessa Gandler wound up with 20 points, Frances Molina finished with 19 markers, while Jove Gonzaga and Marivic Meneses combined for 15 points for the HD Spikers./ASC, WDJ