Choco Mucho's Royse Tubino. Photo from PVL Media Bureau

MANILA (UPDATED) – Choco Mucho moved closer to a Finals return after outclassing Chery Tiggo in straight sets, 25-20, 25-19, 25-23, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino semifinals on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

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Momentum's swinging in favor of the Flying Titans, who remained undefeated in the postseason after outlasting defending champion Creamline in their Tuesday match and then following it tonight for a 2-0 win-loss card. 

For Tubino, they deserved their recent triumphs as a reward for their hard work. 

"Siguro naman 'yung bawat effort ng mga teammates ko lalo ng mga coaches talagang tinatrabaho talaga namin. Kaya itong win namin sa Creamline tsaka sa Chery Tiggo, deserve namin kasi pinagtatrabahuhan talaga namin," she said during the postgame interview. 

The product of University of Perpetual Help System Dalta took home the Best Player of the Game nod after leading the charge with 17 points anchored on 15 attacks and two blocks, while reigning All-Filipino Most Valuable Player (MVP) Sisi Rondina top-scored in the Choco Mucho offense with 18. 

Tubino also expressed gratitude for the team's trust. 

"Sobrang happy ako kasi lalo na sa mga coaching staff, sa mga teammates ko kasi laging andiyan sila to support me, to guide me, kahit veteran ako kailangan ko pa rin ng guidance lalo na sa mga coaches. 'Yun ang naka-mindset sa 'kin." 

Not to be eclipsed, Thang Ponce displayed her defensive prowess with 25 digs and 11 receptions. 

Tubino led Choco Mucho's firepower in the endgame, scoring her team's last four points before Chery Tiggo's Pauline Gaston suffered a service error — an anti-climactic end to a one-hour, 41-minute volleyball in front of 5,221 Pasig faithful. 

Meanwhile, the Crossovers are on the brink of being relegated to the bronze medal match after incurring two losses. 

Chery Tiggo maestro Kungfu Reyes, who is celebrating his birthday today, and his wards are now in a must-win mode on Sunday against the Cool Smashers to keep their bid alive. 

They need to repeat their elimination round performance against Alyssa Valdez and company, where they swept Creamline at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna, 25-18, 26-24, 25-23.

The Flying Titans can secure a berth in the championship match with a win over Petro Gazz on the same date.

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