Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba also enjoyed playing against her Ates in PLDT during Game 1 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals.
Mars Alba proved to be a game-changer for Choco Mucho in their five-set, come-from-behind victory against PLDT, 20-25, 19-25, 25-15, 25-20, 18-16, in Game 1 of the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig Saturday, March 15.
Alba was at the heart of the Flying Titans’ reverse sweep, delivering 16 excellent sets and chipping in three points to help her squad draw nearer to the semifinals.
[RELATED STORY: Choco Mucho pulls off thrilling 5-set comeback vs PLDT, moves a win away from PVL semis]
But more than her contribution in the match, the Flying Titans setter relished the opportunity to battle her former F2 Logistics teammates.
Choco Mucho setter Mars Alba and her former F2 Logistics teammates now PLDT players turn from friends to foes in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Battling against Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron and Kianna Dy, the 25-year-old setter admitted that the matchup had an extra layer of fun for her.
“Masaya kasi nakakalaban ko sila. Parang 'pag nag-angas ako, feeling ko OK lang, hindi ako maba-bash. Kasi nagkikita pa rin kami nila Ate,” Alba said during the post-game press conference.
Despite the friendly pre-game banter, Alba knew it was time to lock in and compete once the match started.
“[Inaasar] nila ako, ‘Oh, huwag mong galingan.’ Kidding aside, laro talaga, focus talaga. Kapag laro, focus talaga. Walang ate-ate,” said Alba.
[ALSO READ: Encarnacion, Galeries brush off negative emotions in Game 1 loss: 'Tuloy lang ang laban']
As Choco Mucho went 0-2 sets down, Alba, who just entered the court in the third set, remained upbeat that the Flying Titans could turn things around — which they did.
“For me, siyempre hindi ko rin naman magagawa 'yon without my teammates. Una pa lang, pagpasok ko noong third set sabi ko, ‘Ates, tiwala lang. Tiwala sa isa’t-isa kasi kaya naman, eh.’ So, ang kailangan lang, tibay sa loob ng court.”
The Flying Titans aim to close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday, March 20.