Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Sisi Rondina and the rest of Choco Mucho were extra motivated to secure the win versus PLDT for teammate Kat Tolentino.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Sisi Rondina made sure to think of fellow teammate Kat Tolentino in Choco Mucho’s latest win over PLDT.
The 31-year-old opposite hitter Santiago-Manabat finished with 16 points in the Flying Titans’ four-set victory over the High Speed Hitters, 21-25, 25-22, 25-18, 25-18, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday, Jan. 23.
After the match, Santiago-Manabat offered her performance to fellow opposite hitter Kat Tolentino, who underwent surgery for a ruptured appendix.
Dindin Santiago-Manabat celebrates during the Choco Mucho Flying Titans' match against the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference Thursday, Jan. 23. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
“‘Yung nilaro ko, iniaalay ko talaga kay Kat. Isa rin siya talaga sa inspirasyon nitong araw,” Santiago-Manabat said during the post-game press conference.
“Kasi parang hindi niya deserve 'yung nangyari sa kaniya. Sobrang sipag niya, sobrang bait niya. So pumunta ako dito na ang mindset talaga is manalo and susunod lang sa sistema ni coach [Dante Alinsunurin].”
[ALSO READ: Kat Tolentino’s heart and loyalty stand firmly with Choco Mucho | Off the Record]
Rondina, who was hailed Player of the Game with her team-best 20 points, also dedicated the win to Tolentino, who has been with the team since the start of her professional volleyball career in 2019.
“'Yung ginawa namin sa laro kanina para makuha ‘tong maganda resulta, nakinig lang kami, sumunod lang kami sa mga coaches namin. Nagpa-guide lang kami sa mga nangyari,” said Rondina.
“Para rin ‘to kay Kat. Dagdag motivation din ‘yung nangyari sa kanya,” she added.
Aside from Santiago-Manabat and Rondina, Isa Molde and Chery Nunag also put up double-digit scoring with 12 markers apiece.
Deanna Wong also had another solid outing with 12 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, Savi Davison was the lone double-digit scorer for PLDT with 27 points she topped with 15 excellent receptions.
Choco Mucho will have a 16-day break before their next match against Akari on Feb. 8.