As Choco Mucho opposite hitter Kat Tolentino continues her recovery from an auditory condition, her potential return to action for the Flying Titans remains uncertain in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
There is still no timeline yet on when Kat Tolentino can suit up for Choco Mucho in the latter stages of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Tolentino, who is still recovering from an auditory condition, has already been sidelined for the last five games.
With the outside hitter sitting out, Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin said that the team is now bracing for the remainder of the season-opening conference without her.
"Siguro ngayon ‘di pa namin alam kung makakabalik siya, pero 'yun nga pinapalagay na rin namin 'yung loob namin na baka hindi na siya makabalik talaga this conference," Alinsunurin said.
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Tolentino last saw action in Choco Mucho's five-set loss to PLDT on March 19, where she scored 18 points.
The former Ateneo Lady Eagle has not played since then, including the marquee clash with defending champion Creamline on Thursday night.
The Cool Smashers pounced on Tolentino’s absence, taking down the Flying Titans in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, at the jam-packed Smart Araneta Coliseum.
While Choco Mucho badly misses the services of the 6-foot-2 winger, both Rondina and Alinsunurin stressed that Tolentino’s recovery is paramount.
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“Siyempre malaking kawalan talaga si Kat pero sabi nga, may rason 'yung mga nangyayari. Pero siyempre mag-aantay pa rin kami sa pagbabalik niya. As of now, punan muna namin 'yung spot niya,” Rondina said.
“Sabi ko nga, marami pa namang time, ang importante lang is yung kalusugan niya,” Alinsunurin added.
The Flying Titans are currently in the thick of a heated Final Four race. Holding a 8-2 record with 24 points, they remain perched atop the standings ahead of five other contenders.
Choco Mucho aims to punch its ticket to the next round when it takes on Farm Fresh on April 23, Tuesday.