Sisi Rondina put up 29 points, lifting the Choco Mucho Flying Titans over the Farm Fresh Foxies in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Reeling from a straight-set beatdown to Creamline last week, Sisi Rondina made sure Choco Mucho would regain its winning form, carrying the Flying Titans over Farm Fresh for a 25-15, 24-26, 21-25, 25-21, 15-12 win in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena Tuesday.
The Flying Titans overcame a tough challenge from the Foxies, displaying grit and composure in a comeback from a set down to return atop the standings with a 9-2 record.
Sisi Rondina detonated 29 points built on 24 attacks and five blocks, while collecting 18 receptions for a spirited double-double output.
Choco Mucho needed every bit of the reigning league MVP’s efforts to negate the career-high performance of Trisha Tubu, who poured 32 points anchored on 30 spikes and two blocks.
After a runaway opening salvo for Choco Mucho, Farm Fresh found its groove in the second frame.
Engaged in a deadlock at 23, Rondina buoyed the Flying Titans at set point but Tubu equalized to forge a two-to-win situation. Kate Santiago pushed the Foxies ahead before Rondina botched an attack attempt to tie the set count.
Both teams traded blows early in the third set. That, until the quartet of Santiago, Tagsip, Tubu, and Rizza Cruz created crucial separation for Farm Fresh, which turned an 8-all stalemate into a 23-18 lead to move a set away from a win.
Backed to the wall, the Flying Titans leaned on Rondina, who scored thrice in a 4-0 run that stretched a 20-19 edge into a 24-19 advantage. The Foxies managed to save two set points, but Rondina forced a decider with a hit off a combination play.
Come the fifth set, Rondina nailed one hit after another to give Choco Mucho an 8-5 lead. Santiago, Cruz, and Alyssa Bertolano sliced the deficit down to a point, 9-10. However, a Farm Fresh error tipped the scales back to the Flying Titans, who seized a 14-10 edge.
Tubu and Chinnie Arroyo tried to pump life into their comeback bid with consecutive hits, but Rondina slammed the door shut with a backrow bomb.
Royse Tubino continued to step up for the recovering Kat Tolentino, delivering 16 points and 11 digs. Isa Molde provided ample support with 12 markers, on top of seven receptions, while Cherry Nunag supplemented 10 points.
On the other hand, the Foxies ended their campaign with a 3-8 slate, an improvement from their 2-9 bid in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference.
Santiago had a near double-double of 21 points and nine receptions, while Cruz and Arroyo scored 12 and nine markers, respectively, in a losing cause.
Louie Romero tossed 23 excellent sets, while Janel Delerio collected 15 digs and 12 receptions.
Choco Mucho now braces for the round-robin semis, which goes into full swing on April 30, Tuesday, at the same Pasig venue.