Choco Mucho overcame a late scare from a young Japanese squad Kansai University, 25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, for a rousing start in the VTV Cup on Saturday in Lao Cai, Vietnam.

Sisi Rondina and Cherry Nunag took care of the offense as the Flying Titans recovered from a third set hiccup to begin their campaign on a high note.

Choco Mucho buckled down on defense in the fourth frame with Maddie Madayag playing solidly in front of the net.

The Japanese tried to keep the game close in the fourth set and rallied to cut their deficit to 22-23, forcing Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin to call time.

Caitlyn Viray responded with a down-the-line kill at the right wing before Madayag sealed the victory with a kill block.

The Premier Volleyball League club will take on Vietnam 1 bannered by national team standouts Tran Thi Thanh Thuy and Doan Thi Lam Oanh on Sunday, 20 August, at 8 p.m.