Dante Alinsunurin bared how late Choco Mucho found out that import Marlee Smith couldn’t play in their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference match against Cignal.
Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin was not expecting to field an All-Filipino lineup once more in their first official match in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Monday, October 13, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Flying Titans had to deal with one such curveball when they learned just 30 minutes before first serve that American import Marlee Smith would not be cleared to play in their 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference opener against the Cignal Super Spikers.
But even without Smith, Choco Mucho managed to pull off a gritty four-set victory against Cignal, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25.
“Sobrang late na talaga. Siguro 30 minutes na lang, nag-warm up na kami nang nalaman namin na dahil may mga kailangan pang ayusin na papers, hindi siya makakalaro,” Alinsunurin said.
Placed in a familiar situation
Rather than dwelling on the setback, Alinsunurin said it was important to stick to the team’s mindset of embracing adversity and focusing on what they can control.
“Lagi namin sinasabi, kung ano ‘yung nagiging process namin every game o every conference, talagang nilalabanan namin kasi sinasanay namin na may mga challenges,” he explained.
“Ang mindset talaga namin ay kailangan nasasanay kami sa ganitong sitwasyon. Kahit anong problema, hindi naman madali pero tatrabahuhin namin.”
This mentality, according to Alinsunurin, is what separates this Choco Mucho squad from previous versions. With better depth and more reliable contributors off the bench, the Flying Titans are no longer easily rattled when things don’t go as planned.
“Laking bagay talaga ngayon na may mga tao kami na puwede namin palit-palit. Unlike before na may mga challenges kami, sobrang hirap pa rin kami makakuha ng panalo,” he said.
Bracing for Smith’s arrival
While Choco Mucho proved they could win without their reinforcement, Alinsunurin acknowledged that Smith’s eventual debut will significantly boost their offensive firepower.
“Siyempre Reinforced ‘yan eh. ‘Yan ang aasahan talaga namin sa mga ganyang sitwasyon. Siguro mas magiging maganda ‘yung opensa namin pagdating ni Marlee,” he added.
Marlee Smith watches from the sidelines during Choco Mucho's four-set win against Cignal. | Photo: PVL
Smith, who also missed Choco Mucho’s first match against Capital, which will now be replayed, is expected to have her papers ready ahead of their next match.
[ALSO READ: Imports Anna DeBeer, Marlee Smith eager than ever to make PVL debut after clearance delays]
The Flying Titans will try to ride their momentum when they face the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday, October 16, still at the Big Dome.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.