MANILA, Philippines – After a slow start, Choco Mucho pulled off an incredible comeback to defeat ZUS Coffee, 14-25, 25-20, 25-19, 25-18, in a match between winless clubs in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Saturday night at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

As the game-changer, Royse Tubino produced a string of potent hits off the bench to score 21 points. Before she handed the baton to her teammates to secure the victory, her performance was crucial, particularly in the final two sets.

During his three sets, Tubino delivered an effective 21-of-42 clip on attacks.

After a lackluster first set, coach Dante Alinsunurin made a calculated decision to rest Zoi Faki and reintroduce her late in the fourth set, when the match was already trending in their favor.

Following a good spike by Faki, Maika Ortiz launched a running assault to complete Choco Mucho’s remarkable comeback and win Pool B for the first time after two straight losses.

Their past losses included a devastating five-set loss to the Akari Chargers, whom they had swept the opening two sets of while losing in a shutout against the Cignal HD Spikers.

Thus, the Flying Titans improved to 1-2 and, together with the Petro Gazz Angels and the Capital1 Solar Spikers, created a three-way tie for third place in Pool B.

Coach Dante Alinsunurin said his squad was relieved and happy about their success in the current conference, adding that they had been looking forward to it. He admitted that they had not played well in the first two games, but they made full use of their attacking advantages in this one.

The victory on Saturday night should help the Flying Titans feel more motivated as they go ready to play the Capital1 Solar Spikers on Thursday.

Despite the absence of several important players, the squad found motivation from star player Sisi Rondina, who arrived to the game straight from the airport having played for Alas Pilipinas and offered vital assistance.

The Flying Titans won in one hour and fifty-three minutes because to a strong performance by Isa Molde (17 points), who replaced Faki in the rotation. Maddie Madayag and Ortiz each ended with nine and eight points, while Dindin Manabat contributed four more points.

Faki only achieved four markers this time, compared to his previous highs of 13 and 14 points versus the Chargers and the HD Spikers, respectively.

The Flying Titans prevailed despite Faki’s lackluster effort, defeating their rivals in the spiking duel (59-49) and blocking (9-7).

With 23 points from Asaka Tamaru, 12 from Gayle Pascual, and 17 from Michelle Gamit and Ypril Tapia, the Thunderbelles led the way. However, they were unable to adjust when the Flying Titans made a comeback starting in the second set, and they ended up with a 0-3 record.

Tamaru contributed nine outstanding catches, nine digs, three blocks, and two aces to the Thunderbelles’ performance. The Thunderbelles will play the Chargers on Thursday.

Strong Group is now called Zus Coffee in the PVL

Starting with the next Premier Volleyball League (PVL) conference, Strong Group Athletics will adopt the Zus Coffee Thunderbelles as their new team name.

After SGA temporary head coach Onyok Getigan steps down, three-time NCAA champion coach Jerry Yee will lead the Thunderbelles. Yee was the Farm Fresh Foxies’ former leader.

Yee has recruited Gayle Pascual, Cloanne Mondoñedo, Michelle Gamit, and Jade Gentapa, four College of Saint Benilde graduating seniors, to form the Thunderbelles’ debut squad.

This core group played a pivotal role in the Lady Blazers’ NCAA dynasty, winning three straight titles and an incredible 40 games in a row.

The squad benefits from the presence of 5-foot-8 opposite spiker and two-time NCAA Finals MVP Gayle Pascual. The 5-foot-6 playmaker Cloanne Mondoñedo won Best Setter and MVP of NCAA Season 99 for her strategic brilliance. The lineup is enhanced by the spectacular skills of 5-foot-8 outside hitter Jade Gentapa, who was named the MVP of the NCAA Season 98 Finals and the second-best outside spiker. This outstanding squad is completed by Michelle Gamit, a 5-foot-9 middle who is regarded as one of Coach Yee’s most reliable players.