Choco Mucho advances to VTV Cup semis with reverse sweep of Korea

Choco Mucho figured in another five-set thriller but came out with the win this time around after surviving Suwon City of South Korea, 16-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17, 15-11, to punch a semifinals berth in the 2023 VTV International Women's Volleyball Cup on Wednesday in Vietnam.

The Flying Titans, who absorbed a five-set loss just the night before at the hands of Vietnam 2, closed out the preliminaries at the third spot with a 3-2 win-loss card. The Koreans, meanwhile, dropped to 1-4.

Sisi Rondina proved to be steady for the Filipinas anew, unleashing a familiar backrow attack in the final point of the fourth set as Choco Mucho forced a decider.

The former UAAP MVP continued her brilliance on both ends in the final frame as she went for an off-speed open attack before a block from her and middle blocker Cherry Nunag sent the Flying Titans to a 12-9 cushion.

After Maddie Madayag delivered the match point-clinching rejection, South Korea denied Rondina to save one, 14-11, but another kill from Rondina sealed the win and a semis ticket for Choco Mucho.

Choco Mucho will face the second seed in the final four set this Friday.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News