Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Sisi Rondina took charge in the final frame as Choco Mucho survived Zus Coffee in a five-set marathon, 21-25, 25-22, 13-25, 25-11, 15-11, in the play-in tournament of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
Rondina scored five of Choco Mucho's pull away 12-5 lead in Set 5, taking matters into her own hands.
Kate Santiago and Thea Gagate tried to push Zus Coffee back into the game with their kills, as they closed in at 13-10, but a Kat Tolentino attack that hit Clo Mondonedo's hands put Choco Mucho on match point, 14-10.
Rondina then made up for Eya Laure's service error later on, firing the sharp game-clinching hit that formally ousted the Thunderbelles from the tourney.
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"Bago pa mag-umpisa ng game, sinabi ko na sa kanila na all out na tayo, kasi wala nang bukas. Ayun nga, ito nangyari, sinubukan nga kami hanggang dulo," said Rondina, who poured everything on the taraflex with 27 points and 15 excellent receptions.
Maddie Madayag was named Player of the Game after her 19-point and three-block performance, while Laure chipped in 13 markers, and Tolentino added 12 for the scoring and 10 excellent digs.
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"May mga times and sets na nalalamangan kami, but I’m very proud of my team na kahit na umabot na kami sa point na parang feeling namin na matatalo na kami, kaya pa rin ilaban," said the star middle blocker, beaming with pride as the Flying Titans tore down a one-set deficit en route to the comeback win.
The Flying Titans will face Akari next, scheduled for Saturday, March 28.
Meanwhile, the Thunderbelles' campaign ends here after the loss. Riza Nogales continued her stellar play for the Jerry Yee-coached squad, although for naught, with 16 points and four blocks.