The Choco Mucho Flying Titans went up two sets to nothing and wanted to go home early in Game 1 of the semifinals of the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday.
But the Cignal HD Spikers said: Mamaya na kaya?
Showing the will that has worked for them all conference long, the HD Spikers climbed back from the 2-0 hole and engineered a reverse sweep of the Flying Titans, 18-25, 23-25, 25-14, 25-19, 15-10.
Choco Mucho saw its 10-game winning streak get snapped, while Cignal is now on the cusp of advancing to the finals.
It was a stunning meltdown for the Flying Titans, who looked almost flawless in the first two frames. Coach Dante Alinsunurin admitted after the game that they took their foot off the gas after their strong start.
"Masyado siguro kaming nag-relax nung third set and fourth set. Nung fifth set hindi na kami nakabalik kasi nakuha na talaga ng Cignal 'yung momentum nila. Mapa-serve nila, mapa-opensa nila, mapa-floor defense nila," said Alinsunurin.
ALSO READ: Time to shine: Ube Nation believes Choco Mucho ripe for title run in PVL Second All-Filipino Conference
He acknowledged the experience of the HD Spikers in pressure-packed battles, tagging them as "title-contenders." With this, he reminded his players to roll up their sleeves even more, as he dished on the morale of the team in the locker room after the bitter loss.
"Lahat kami nag-isip kung anong gagawin. But at the end of the day, talagang kailangan namin matutong manalo sa ganitong sitwasyon. Nung una, gusto lang namin makapasok sa podium, trinabaho namin, nakuha namin. Then ngayon, kailangan namin pagtrabahuhan din itong semis kasi hindi ito ibibigay sa atin nang madali lang," said Alinsunurin, adding that the tough defeat was a "wake-up call."
Choco Mucho will have to quickly shake it off, as Game 2 is set for this Saturday.
Catch it live at 4 p.m. on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)