Marlee Smith remained grateful for her time with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans as she ended her PVL Reinforced Conference stint with a win over the Akari Chargers.
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal — Marlee Smith walked off the court for the final time this conference with her head high and with zero regrets.
The Choco Mucho import capped her 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference stint with her strongest showing yet, firing 18 points to lead the Flying Titans to a morale-boosting four-set victory against the Akari Chargers, 25-23, 21-25, 25-23, 25-21, on Tuesday, November 18, at the Ynares Center Montalban.
It was Smith’s most complete game after a roller-coaster run in purple. And while Choco Mucho’s season ended earlier than hoped, the American spiker said she’s walking away proud of how she and her teammates fought.
“I feel like we had a great game tonight. I'm so proud of my teammates. I feel like I performed well myself so I pat myself on the back,” Smith told One Sports.
No regrets for Marlee
Asked if she had any regrets after delivering her best performance in her final outing, Smith simply shook her head.
“Regrets? No, but I feel like we all know deep down that we could have went way further,” she said. “Something was missing, you know, and I hope that they really can find that.”
Marlee Smith and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after their final match in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
Smith also acknowledged that the Flying Titans showed flashes of their true potential but couldn’t sustain it consistently. Nonetheless, she wishes nothing but the best for her squad in their next campaigns.
“If I wasn’t the missing piece, I hope they find that. [In the] next conference, they’re gonna straighten everything out and they’ll be okay,” she added.
A humbling but meaningful stay in the Philippines
Despite the early exit, Smith also admitted that her PVL experience changed her, both as an athlete and as a person.
“The Philippines is very welcoming. I love it here. I would definitely come back to visit,” she said.
“It was very humbling. I’ve seen my downfalls. I’ve seen things that I could do better. I have to grow as a player, as a woman, and as a teammate.”
[ALSO READ: Marlee Smith speaks on Choco Mucho debut, position change in PVL Reinforced]
The 26-year-old opposite hitter added that the lessons she learned extend beyond volleyball.
“I've seen things that I could do better, so I'm gonna take that home and apply, even apply that as being a parent. Like, I just want to be better for myself and my team,” she said.
Smith is expected to fly back to the United States to be reunited with her family.
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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.