Choco Mucho Flying Titans during a qualifying game against Chery Tiggo in the PVL Invitational Conference. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Caitlin Viray delivered her best game to lead Choco Mucho to sweep Chery Tiggo, 25-20, 26-24, 25-15, for seventh place in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Viray unleashed a career-high 22 points, scoring most of his points in the third set, where they led by as many as 10, 18-8, and never looked back to end the tournament on a high note.
“I am happy that I was able to help my team. I’m just paying back the trust given by my coaches,” Viray said in Filipino after making 17 kills, three blocks and two aces.
The Universidad de Santo Tomas standout turned in a strong performance at this mid-season tournament, taking on the starting role in place of Kat Tolentino and averaging 11.7 in six games.
“There is pressure, but I chose to focus on what I can do for my team and what I can improve. I am very happy to have helped my team,” she said.
Sisi Rondina finished her first PVL tournament with 15 points on top of nine digs and six excellent receptions. Setter Deanna Wong dished out an excellent 14 sets, while Isa Molde scored five, replacing Des Cheng, who was rested in the qualifier.
“Our mentality for this game is to win our last game. Because it is important that the next conference boost our conference, ”said the Choco Mucho coach, Dante Alinsunurin, after winning four of his six matches in this tournament. “It was a slow start for us, but I told my players to talk to each other, guide each other and make the necessary adjustments. Luckily, all connected ”.
Choco Mucho overcame a 3-10 start in the first set before drawing first blood. The Flying Titans blew a 24-22 lead in the second frame after Eya Laure’s attack and Imee Hernandez’s block on Rondina to force a deuce.
Cherry Nunag nailed a quick spike to win back match point, 25-24, followed by a spiking error from Mylene Paat to take a two-set lead.
Paat led the Crossovers with 15 points on 10 kills, three blocks and two aces. Pauline Gaston contributed 12 markers, while Eya Laure finished her first conference with 11 points and 14 excellent receptions.
Cherry Tiggo ended their campaign with two straight losses, finishing 2-2 in the group stage and losing the qualifying match to finish in eighth place.
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