VOLLEY

Flying Titans clip Angels for sixth straight win

Mark Escarlote

Choco Mucho dropped a set for the first time in six games but got the same result.

The red-hot Flying Titans recovered from a set down to add more woes to skidding Petro Gazz, 18-25, 25-23, 25-15, 25-16, for a sixth straight win in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Thursday night at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Choco Mucho hiked its win-loss record to 6-1 tied with Chery Tiggo in a two-way logjam at second spot behind unbeaten defending champion Creamline (6-0).

Sisi Rondina bannered the Flying Titans' balanced scoring, putting up 17 points with nine digs and 10 excellent receptions. Kat Tolentino had 13 markers, Isa Molde had 10 while middles Cherry Nunag and Maddie Madayag delivered nine points each for Choco Mucho, which extended its roll after opening the season-ending tournament with a loss to sister team Cool Smashers.

The Flying Titans started on a sour note as the reeling Angels exploited their tentative floor defense to draw first blood.

But the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored squad was quick to make adjustments to turn the tables around especially with libero Thang Ponce getting her groove going to finish with 20 digs and nine excellent receptions.

"We made on our reception because that was really our problem in the first set. We had difficulty controlling our service receive," Alinsunurin said.

"Thankfully, our floor defense and blocking connected that's why we're able to get the second set. From there we're able to control the game."

Petro Gazz suffered fourth straight defeat after winning four in a row to start the second serving of the AFC.

Grethcel Soltones had 19 points including 16 kills and tallied seven excellent receptions for the Angels, who slid to a tie with F2 Logistics at sixth spot.

Jonah Sabete had 18 markers, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas scored 12 points while KC Galdones made seven in losing effort for Petro Gazz.