Flying Titans, Angels seek to forge title showdown

PETRO Gazz and Choco Mucho hope to build on the momentum of their thrilling come-from-behind victories as they seek to arrange a titular showdown in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Thursday).

The Angels displayed resilience in overturning a set deficit against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, clinching a 20-25, 25-21, 25-15, 25-16 victory. Similarly, the Flying Titans staged an impressive comeback from two sets down to upend the Creamline Cool Smashers for the first time in 13 face-offs, 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16, in Tuesday’s opener of the single round semis before a packed crowd at the Pasig venue.

They switch opponents this time with the Angels battling Cool Smashers at 4 p.m. and the Flying Titans colliding with the Crossovers at 6 p.m. Victories by top seed Petro Gazz and No. 2 Choco Mucho will propel them to the finals while Creamline and Chery Tiggo will duel for the bronze.

Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin expressed his confidence in his wards’ winning mindset while stressing the importance of hard work and determination on the court. Despite facing a dominant opponent in the Cool Smashers, Alinsunurin believes in his team’s ability to make timely adjustments and rise to the occasion.

“Yun naman talaga yung goal namin every time na ganitong sitwasyon. Kailangan namin trabahuin talaga bawat puntos,” said Alinsunurin.

The Cool Smashers looked poised to extending their 12-game dominance of the Flying Titans when they took the first two sets in lopsided fashions. But Sisi Rondina and Royse Tubino found their rhythm in the crucial third frame, leading to the team’s fourth match that went the distance and the historic win.