Dante Alinsunurin is known as one of the calmest coaches in the PVL. That changed on Saturday, when the Choco Mucho Flying Titans fell behind two sets to none against the Capital1 Solar Spikers in their season opener.
The Flying Titans’ head coach let his frustration show during the break. He demanded more from his players, and they responded by winning the last three sets for a 22-25, 18-25, 25-17, 25-20, 15-8 comeback at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
Alinsunurin joked about the moment after the match.
“Siguro in-accept nila ‘yung challenge ko after nung second set. Talagang nag-focus ako sa galit para sa kanila,” he said.
“Sinabi ko sa kanila na hindi ko kailangan kung magaling ka, kailangan ko ‘yung team na gustong manalo. ‘Yun siguro, na-challenge sila. Sobrang thankful ako sa naging response nila. Sana hindi ngayon lang ‘to, sana marami pa ring magawa sa next game namin,” he added.
Players Respond to Alinsunurin’s Rage
Alinsunurin’s players noticed the change right away. Eya Laure said it was so unusual to see their coach angry that it immediately got the team’s attention.
“Si Coach Dante kasi, madalang lang talaga siyang magalit. So kapag nagalit siya, manginginig ka na at mapapaisip ka. Siyempre, alarming na nagagalit na siya, and ‘yun din siguro naging motivation na namin ‘yun na (parang) hindi na si Coach Dante ‘yung nakikita namin,” Laure said.
“Nag-e-evolve na rin talaga siya na malapit na siyang maging ‘rawr,’” she added with a laugh.
Sisi Rondina-Rosales said the scolding served as a wake-up call for a team that was one set away from losing its first game.
“For me naman, nakita ko nung third set hanggang fifth set, and ayun, sabi nga, nagalit si Coach Dante. Parang naging alarming ‘yung kanina, so buti nagising and lumaban kanina,” said Rondina-Rosales. “Wala na rin kaming ibang ginawa kung saan kami aabutin. Huwag nating bitawan ang opportunities na dumarating sa atin.”
Match Leaders
Laure posted a triple-double with 22 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs. Rondina-Rosales played in only three sets but still scored 12 points, 3 of them during Choco Mucho’s final 6 points of the fifth set.
Alinsunurin hopes the comeback carries over into the rest of the conference.
Choco Mucho will next face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Thursday, October 15, 6:00 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
