The Flying Titans needed five sets to put away the Lady Troopers.
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans were nearly on the wrong end of a stunning upset on Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre—taken to the hilt by the winless Army-Black Mamba Lady Troopers, before ultimately coming out on top in five sets, 23-25, 25-20, 25-16, 25-27, 15-11.
Kat Tolentino, once again, was spectacular, leading the way for the Flying Titans with 20 points, including back-to-back kills in the deciding set when the Army Troopers closed to within 12-11.
Tolentino, though, got plenty of help this time around as the Flying Titans arrested a two-game skid. Stepping up big was surprise starter Regine Arocha, who was inserted into the Choco Mucho first six as the team missed the services of Bea de Leon and Des Cheng due to sickness.
And Arocha made sure she made her presence felt, contributing 13 points (on 12 attacks, 8 receptions, and 1 block.
Her contributions were certainly not lost on coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Maganda 'yung performance niya,” Alinsunurin said of Arocha post-game. “Alam naman natin na kahit pinalitan siya sa original na first six, pero 'yun nga, dito naman siya. Deserving talaga 'yung best player [award] niya kasi kahit sa training naman lagi naman nya pinupukpok 'yung first six.”
In other words, Alinsunurin was saying Arocha is a first-six type of talent—and she certainly made a compelling case to be a full-time starter.
“Since first time ko uli, parang gutom na gutom, gigil na gigil ako na maglaro,” Arocha admitted. “Bawat bola gusto ko patayin na e. Ganun talaga 'yung naramdaman ko kaya din siguro ganun din nagawa ko kanina.”
While Arocha excelled in her surprise start, she believes anyone of her teammates would have done the same because they have taken to heart Alinsunurin’s advice of always being ready.
“Kanina lang po namin nalaman na ako 'yung maglalaro,” Arocha added. “Pero sabi naman ni Coach Dante na dapat lahat talaga kami maging ready lang kasi darating din 'yung time na kakailanganin kami kaya ready lang kami palagi.”
Arocha was more than ready against the Lady Troopers. Best believe she will be ready whenever Choco Mucho needs it.