‘Unity’ crucial for talent-laden Choco Mucho, says coach

MANILA, Philippines — The Choco Mucho Flying Titans are not short of firepower in their lineup in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.

The newcomer squad parades a stacked roster, including three former Ateneo stars in Bea De Leon, Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag, and DLSU legend Manilla Santos-Ng.

But for their head coach Oliver Almadro, their individual skills won’t matter if they forget to play together.

"We really have to stick together and be one. Yun nga sinasabi ko sa kanila, yung unity. Yun yung pinakaimportante," he said after their three-set victory over the BaliPure Water Defenders.

"Kahit napakalakas nung isa... [at] may beterana ka, if we will not play united, in unison, I guess mahihirapan kami," he added.

The Flying Titans faltered a bit in the second set of their match against BaliPure.

The Water Defenders were able to play at pace with Choco Mucho and even held a four-point lead early in the set.

Almadro needed to dig deep into Santos-Ng's leadership skills to get the team back on track.

"Sabi ko [nung second set] 'Oh, Illa ikaw na... pasok ka na ulit... para may maglead," he said.

The Flying Titans' mettle will be tested once again when they face veteran-laden PacificTown Army on Wednesday.