Seven years after last sharing the same side of the net, Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure finally reunited—and the result was exactly what Choco Mucho had hoped for.
The former UST stars powered the Flying Titans to a straight-sets win over Akari, 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, in their opening game of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Wednesday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Rondina, Laure Spearhead Choco Mucho
Rondina led the way with 16 points on 14 attacks, 1 block, and 1 service ace, while Laure delivered a steady all-around effort with 11 points, built on 8 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block, on top of 9 excellent receptions. Coincidentally, their combined output—16 and 11—mirrored the founding year of their alma mater, the University of Santo Tomas.
Choco Mucho looked firmly in control early, cruising through the opening set before facing its first real test in the second. Trailing 11-17, the Flying Titans leaned on composure and defense, closing the frame with a decisive 14-5 run to seize a 2-0 lead.
“Unang-una siyempre, happy ako sa naging performance namin, lalo na sa second set na sobrang layo ng hinabol namin pero nakuha namin ‘yung panalo. At ‘yun nga, sa naging performance ng players ko, sobra ‘yung expectations ko,” head coach Dante Alinsunurin said after the match.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with Akari hanging close until a series of costly errors opened the door for Choco Mucho. Holding a slim 19-18 edge, the Flying Titans capitalized on consecutive Akari miscues before Laure punctuated the run with a timely attack to stretch the lead to 22-18. Dindin Santiago-Manabat later sealed the win with an off-the-block hit.
“Actually, magaan talaga kasi minindset ko nga, sabi nga ni Coach Dante, i-treat lang namin ‘to as a normal day, ‘wag masyado excited… Siguro tamang mindset lang din at guidance ng coaches namin,” Laure shared.
Balanced Attack Proves Too Much for Akari
Support came from the middle as Lorraine Pecana and Jaila Atienza combined for 11 points, while Deanna Wong steered the offense with 11 excellent sets and 3 points.
For Akari, Fifi Sharma finished with 10 points, while Celine Domingo added 9. The Chargers were shorthanded, with Faith Nisperos still recovering from a knee injury and Justine Jazareno sidelined due to dengue.
Choco Mucho next faces Cignal on February 5 at 4:00 p.m., while Akari looks to regroup against ZUS Coffee on February 12 at 6:30 p.m.
