The 5-foot-2 libero stood tall in the back-and-forth affair.
A new hero emerged for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday as they outlasted the Petro Gazz Angels to grab second place in Pool B of the PVL Invitational Conference. Sisi Rondina, Caitlin Viray, Cherry Nunag, and Des Cheng had great games as usual, but Flying Titans’ second libero Thang Ponce may have just stolen the show at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
While the stat sheet was dominated by Choco Mucho’s talented quartet, the team’s avid supporters appreciated the tremendous effort and intangibles brought by the Bataan native. Subbing in for Denden Lazaro, the diminutive floor defender had Twitter going gaga over her inspiring play.
Twitter user @karlsales heaped massive praise on Ponce.
“Thang Ponce is the game changer,” he posted.
Choco Mucho fan Hanivee echoed Sales’ assessment, also referring to Ponce as a game-changer.
Netizen Daniel Bautista particularly loved this play by Ponce, Rondina, and Deanna Wong that led to a kill.
According to Twitter user Pauline Defender, the former Adamson Lady Falcon made a case for herself to see more action in Choco Mucho’s following contests.
“Thang ponce showing that she deserves playing time,” he tweeted.
After numerous plays that showed her exemplary defense, like in this pancake save, it's no surprise game commentators said Ponce was the "star of the show."
With Ponce’s breakout performance, Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin may have a big decision to make. Is Thang indeed going to challenge Denden for more playing time? Fans will find out on Tuesday as Choco Mucho takes on the Cignal HD Spikers.