Choco Mucho crushes BaliPure in PVL debut

MANILA, Philippines – The Choco Mucho Flying Titans made quick work of the BaliPure Water Defenders, 25-12, 25-18, 25-18, in their Premier Volleyball League debut on Wednesday.

Led by former Ateneo stars Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag, the newcomer squad didn't show any signs of first-game jitters.

DLSU legend Manilla Santos-Ng also made her return to competitive volleyball after a decade-long hiatus.

Bea de Leon, meanwhile, did not play for the Flying Titans after coach Oliver Almadro opted to rest her.

The Flying Titans simply cruised past the Water Defenders in the opening set, with BaliPure only managing 12 points in the canto.

The second set saw a tougher fight from the BaliPure side. The Water Defenders played at pace with Choco Mucho early in the set, they even held a four-point lead, 13-9.

But the Flying Titans chipped away at the deficit with Madayag leading the helm and took the lead, 16-14. They eventually took the dominant 2-0 lead, 25-18.

By the third set, it was another lethargic start for the Water Defenders.

Despite an attempt to get back into the game, Choco Mucho was able to hold off for the sweep win.

Grace Bombita and Menchie Tubiera were bright spots for BaliPure in the loss.