Sisi Rondina and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans took down Creamline for the first time in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans picked the perfect time to defeat the Creamline Cool Smashers, pulling off a reverse sweep for a sensational 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 win in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena Tuesday.
The Flying Titans displayed grit and composure, clawing their way back from a two-set deficit to end their 12-game losing streak to the defending champions. This is their first victory over their decorated sister team since entering the league in 2019.
Sisi Rondina poured a spirited double-double effort of 23 points built on 21 attacks, a block, and an ace, laced with 14 receptions.
Royse Tubino showcased her two-way form with 20 markers, all but two coming from attacks, and 12 digs. Isa Molde also made her presence felt with 12 points, while Maddie Madayag anchored above the net with seven of the team’s 15 blocks for an eight-point contribution.
Thang Ponce patrolled the floor with 20 digs and 13 receptions, as Mars Alba tossed 10 excellent sets.
After dropping the first and second sets, the Flying Titans found their rhythm in the third frame, seizing a 22-18 lead behind the efforts of Rondina and Tubino.
The trio of Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Jeanette Panaga whittled the deficit down to a point at 21-22 before Isa Molde scored twice in a set-clinching 3-0 run that gave Choco Mucho a lease on life.
The Flying Titans managed to carry over momentum in the fourth set, taking a 19-16 edge. Galanza tipped the scales back in favor of the Cool Smashers to tie things up at 19. Creamline, though, coughed out a string of crucial errors at the end of the frame, allowing Choco Mucho to forge a decider.
A wild swing of momentum ensued in the fifth set, leading up to a deadlock at 8. Rondina and Molde pushed Choco Mucho ahead by three at 11-9 before Galanza willed Creamline back, 12-all.
Tubino hammered a kill but Alyssa Valdez had a quick riposte for another stalemate. Valdez, however, committed a costly net touch violation in her block attempt but she more than made up for it with a cross court kill for a two-to-win situation.
Rondina then botched a back row attempt that did not go over the net before Tubino nailed a through-the-block hit. Maddie Madayag roofed Valdez, but the latter refused to give way, hammering another hit.
Engaged in another deadlock at 16, Rondina delivered the last two blows to seal the deal.
Galanza delivered a triple-double output of 23 points, 18 receptions, and 13 digs that went for naught, while Valdez brought out her vintage form with 21 markers and nine digs in the losing cause.
Gumabao stepped up in lieu of Tots Carlos, who is still participating in the 2024 Korean V-League (KOVO) Women's Asian Quota Tryouts in Jeju, South Korea, and had 18 points.
Panaga put up seven of her team’s 12 blocks to end up with 15 markers that went down the drain.