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MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho pounced on depleted Chery Tiggo, 25-21, 25-21, 25-23, to kick off its Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference campaign on a high note on Saturday at San Juan Arena.
Kat Tolentino unloaded 22 points from 20 attacks as the Flying Titans spoiled the debut of the new Crossovers coach Clarence Esteban, who missed five players including Dindin Santiago-Manabat due to an ankle sprain.
Chery Tiggo also missed EJ Laure, Buding Duremdes, Alina Bicar, and Justine Dorog due to health and safety protocols.
The Filipino-Canadian hitter was glad that her team showed a lot of heart despite facing an undermanned opponent.
“Good start obviously for the season but it’s not enough. Chery wasn’t at their full power. They’re missing a few players. But regardless, we still played and I think we fought with a lot of heart,” said Tolentino. “We have a lot of things to fix and we’re gonna learn from this game.”
Besides Tolentino, Isa Molde also delivered the goods for Choco Mucho with nine points and 16 digs. Aduke Ogunsanya had seven points including three blocks, while Des Cheng added six markers and 16 excellent receptions.
Deanna Wong, who is still recovering from a shin injury, dished out 16 excellent sets and scored five, as libero Denden Lazaro-Revilla had 18 digs and seven receptions.
“We still have to learn more and work harder. It’s not really an easy match for us. We know that Chery was undermanned but they put up a good fight against us,” said Choco Mucho coach Oliver Almadro. “We acknowledge that we still have a long way to go from perfection.”
Chery Tiggo put up a gallant stand in the third set, saving three match points to trim the lead to 24-23. But Tolentino delivered the game-winning attack.
Mylene Paat carried the load for the Crossovers with 10 points. Shaya Adorador had nine points, while setter Jasmine Nabor was the third-best scorer of the team with eight markers on top of 23 excellent sets.
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