Sticking to Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin's system has continued to work wonders for the Flying Titans in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Choco Mucho went through the wringer to preserve its pristine 3-0 slate and take solo lead in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
After a campaign-opening sweep of Nxled, the Flying Titans had to overcome the Petro Gazz Angels in a grueling five-set affair before fending off the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in four.
Having survived such a difficult stretch, Kat Tolentino attributed their early success to Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin's system.
"I think it’s sticking to coach Dante’s system even if whatever team we do play, we can’t control what they do and just control our side and I think that's what we did earlier," Tolentino said on Saturday night.
The 6-foot-2 opposite hitter pointed out that the Flying Titans banked on their defensive prowess to emerge victorious in all of their clashes thus far.
"We stuck to the defensive pattern in blocking and [floor] defense. That’s what we have to continue to be disciplined about because teams will have great players it’s what we can do on our own that will decide if we can win or not," Tolentino shared.
Despite parting ways with Denden Lazaro-Revilla and Bea de Leon in the off-season and losing Aduke Ogunsanya to injury, Choco Mucho has kept its net and floor coverage up to par.
For one, Sisi Rondina has started to flaunt her improved, hard-nosed reception to help Thang Ponce in protecting the floor. Tolentino has also been linking up with Maddie Madayag and Cherry Nunag in imposing their presence above the net.
Even playmaker Mars Alba, who has been stepping up for the still-recovering Deanna Wong, has shown flashes of her defensive wares as she tallied 10 digs versus Chery Tiggo.
With such a display of defensive acumen, Alinsunurin acknowledges the work ethic of his wards.
"Sobrang thankful ako sa player talaga na dedicated talaga sa ginagawa namin pagdating sa training," the seasoned tactician said.
As Choco Mucho will have several days of rest before plunging back into action versus Cignal on March 14, Tolentino and the rest of the Flying Titans look to use the long period to further refine their form.
"We’re just gonna prepare the same as always. We will go back to training and move on from this win and learn more. We have a long time to prepare, hopefully we can learn more and get more chemistry," she said.