Royse Tubino and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans inched closer to a return trip to the finals after dismantling the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.
Choco Mucho closed in on a return trip to the finals after pushing Chery Tiggo on the verge of elimination, 25-20, 25-19, 25-23, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday night, May 2.
Coming off a historic win over Creamline two days ago, the Flying Titans sustained their winning form to hike their record to 2-0 in the round-robin playoffs.
Royse Tubino continued her stellar performance for Choco Mucho, emerging as the Player of the Game with 17 points.
The Crossovers, on the other hand, are the only contenders yet to secure a win in the postseason, holding a 0-2 slate.
Tubino nailed the differential hits that pushed the Flying Titans ahead in the decisive third frame, 23-19. Chery Tiggo staged a spirited comeback behind sisters Eya and EJ Laure to whittle the deficit down to a point, but Tubino once again came through with a hit for match point.
Pauline Gaston then botched a service attempt in the ensuing sequence, sealing the fate of the Crossovers.
While Tubino delivered the heroics, Sisi Rondina was the one who made her presence felt all over the court.
The high-flying ace from Cebu shone with a game-high 18 points she topped with 14 digs and 10 excellent receptions.
Top hitter Sisi Rondina and ace libero Thang Ponce celebrate during Choco Mucho's semifinal match against Chery Tiggo in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua
Maddie Madayag and Isa Molde pitched in seven and six markers, respectively.
Meanwhile, Cza Carandang paced the losing side with 10 points while the younger of the Laure siblings, Eya, poured nine markers and nine receptions.
EJ Laure teams up with sister Eya down the stretch but it is not enough as Chery Tiggo remains winless in the round-robin semifinals in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. | Photo (c) RM Chua
Elder sister EJ swung nine points, including a huge block at endgame, that went with 11 digs and 10 receptions for a near triple-double effort that went for naught.
Choco Mucho seeks to clinch a finals berth when it takes on Petro Gazz, while Chery Tiggo tries to salvage its campaign when it faces Creamline on May 5, Sunday.
Both matches will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao