Error-plagued Choco Mucho succumbs to Vietnam B in VTV thriller

Philippine bet Choco Mucho lost steam late to succumb to Vietnam B in a grueling five-setter, 25-20, 28-26, 21-25, 20-25, 9-15, in the VTV International Women's Volleyball Cup on Tuesday night in Vietnam.

The Flying Titans slid to 2-2, but remained in semifinals contention. The Vietnamese squad, already assured of a Final Four spot, kept its immaculate record at 4-0.

Choco Mucho unleashed 14 attacks in the third set, but had 10 errors as the hosts extended the match to a fourth set.

The Flying Titans got some momentum going early in the penultimate frame with Sisi Rondina soaring from the back to tie things up at 12-all. But the Vietnamese crew powered an 8-3 rampage capped by a rejection against the 5-foot-6 Rondina for a 20-15 cushion.

Rondina's backrow off-speed attack made it a 17-20 deficit but costly errors from the Flying Titans side didn't help their cause, as they committed a total of 11 infractions as Vietnam forced a fifth set.

With Vietnam enjoying an 11-7 advantage, setter Deanna Wong completed a one-two play before the hosts ended a long rally for a crucial 13-8 lead. Wong then went wide on her service as Vietnam B completed the comeback victory.

Choco Mucho will look to book a semis spot when it takes on South Korea's Suwon City on Wednesday.

Only the top four teams in the six-team field will advance to the next round.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA Integrated News