The Choco Mucho Flying Titans averted trouble in Set 3 to claim victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers in Batangas to kickstart their PVL on Tour campaign.
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans regained their bearings late in Set 3 to take the victory over a young Galeries Tower Highrisers in four sets, 25-19, 13-25, 25-22, 25-20 in their PVL on Tour opening match at the Batangas City Sports Center on Saturday.
Draft pick Jen Villegas emerged as a critical addition for the Flying Titans against a Highrisers side that was equally determined to bring momentum from a historic finish in their last conference where they made it to the playoffs.
Villegas, coming out of Adamson University, proved pivotal with key points in Set 3 and Set 4 — including a hot start in the closeout where she connived with fellow Lady Falcon Ayesha Juegos to power the Flying Titans to a runaway start. Juegos even provided the game-winning point in Set 4, capping off a stellar debut for both Adamson products.
But it was Isa Molde's steady hand on offense that netted Player of the Game honors as she finished with 20 points built off of 19 attacks and one block.
Despite Jean Asis’ best efforts with the rest of the Highrisers, the Flying Titans were able to keep at pace for victory.
The crucial point came in Set 3 when Choco Mucho escaped falling into a 1-2 deficit against Galeries when they fought back from trailing 13-16 with a 7-0 burst to seize the 20-16 lead after an Isa Molde block.
While errors helped Galeries keep within striking distance late, 21-22, Des Cheng stepped up to the plate with back-to-back attacks in the clutch to complete the comeback and seize control of the game, 25-22.
In Set 4, the Highrisers tried to keep at pace when they fought to get within four midway through the set, 14-18, triggering a timeout from Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin. But Molde stopped the bleeding on offense to keep Choco Mucho ahead and hold on for the victory.