Flying Titans check five-game skid

MANILA, Philippines — Choco Mucho got over the five-set hump to break a five-game slump, repulsing hard-luck Chef’s Classics, 32-34, 25-12, 23-25, 25-18, 15-11, and keeping its slim semifinal hopes alive in the PVL Open Conference at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center in Bulacan yesterday.

The Flying Titans fought back after losing the first and third sets then seized control in the decider behind Kat Tolentino, Grace Berte and Shannen Palec to improve their record to 3-6 card while keeping the Red Spikers winless in 10 games.

Tolentino unleashed a 36-hit game, including four in the fifth frame capped by a backrow hit that ended the grueling rematch between the league newcomers. Berte and Palec had two hits apiece in that stretch.

Middle blocker Bea de Leon also provided inspiration as she suited up for Choco Mucho for the first time after missing the first-round action while trying to regain her form.

The victory gave the Flying Titans a big sigh of relief  after failing to close out all their previous matches that went five sets, the last three against the league’s top teams – PetroGazz, Air Force and Motolite.

They also figured in the league’s second longest set, although unlike in their 41-39, 25-19, 19-25, 20-25, 12-15 loss to PacificTown Army last Aug. 21, the Flying Titans yielded the opening set to the Red Spikers.

Choco Mucho imposed its will in the second set but after dropping the next frame, the Flying Titans reasserted their might in the fourth to force the decider where they wrested a 4-2 edge before posting an 8-4 lead at changeover.

PacificTown Army bucked the absence of Jovelyn Gonzaga and coach Kungfu Reyes as it repeated over BaliPure, 25-17, 25-22, 25-18, to improve to 6-4 while dealing the Water Defenders their ninth loss in 11 games.