Collective spirit key to title drive
Sisi Rondina (left) and Alyssa Valdez PVL PHOTOS
MANILA, Philippines: As Choco Mucho and Creamline gear up for the Premier Volleyball League’s All-Filipino crown, their individual talents are sure to shine, but it’s their collective spirit that will ultimately define their quest for victory.
With Game One of the best-of-three title playoff set to ignite the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, anticipation is high two days before the league’s most popular teams square off for the second straight AFC championship.
Both teams boast massive fan bases, and their supporters are expected to play a pivotal role through the series, especially in crucial moments. Their cheers and roars will undoubtedly fuel their respective teams, setting the stage for a classic showdown reminiscent of their last finals face -off, which saw a record-breaking crowd of 24,459.
Sisi Rondina, with her impressive 24.3 point average in the semis, is poised to lead Choco Mucho once again. Yet, she humbly deflects the spotlight, emphasizing the team’s unity and trust in each other.
“Our mindset revolves around each other,” said Rondina, whose 23-point, 14-reception performance against Choco Mucho last April 30 ended the Flying Titans’ 12-game losing skein to their sister team.
“It’s not just about me. You can see it in our faces. This is ours, we can do this together,” she added.
Defense is paramount for Choco Mucho, as it seeks its first-ever league championship. Learning from past shortcomings, the Flying Titans prioritize stifling their opponents and adhering to their system.
“Our focus is to stop our opponents from scoring against us,” said Rondina. “We trust each other and coach (Dante) Alinsunurin’s system. As Maddie (Madayag) said, we fall together, but we rise together, too.”
On the other side, the Cool Smashers are determined to maintain their dominance. With a wealth of championship experience and a formidable roster, they aim for a third straight AFC crown and eighth overall championship.
Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza are expected to elevate their game, while Alyssa Valdez is ready to showcase her vintage form. The bench, led by Michele Gumabao, stands ready to contribute when called upon.
For both teams, success hinges on collective effort rather than individual brilliance. Creamline playmaker Kyle Negrito encapsulated this sentiment, highlighting the team’s unity forged through shared struggles.
As the title series unfolds, the bench becomes increasingly vital, especially if top hitters cancel each other out. But in the event of a tight finish, experience and composure will be decisive factors. TMT