Choco Mucho relegated to battle for third after falling to Vietnam 2 in semis

Philippine bet Choco Mucho faltered in the final frame after falling to host Vietnam 2 in a thriller, 18-25, 25-18, 12-25, 25-22, 5-15, in their semifinals affair in the 2023 VTV International Women's Volleyball Cup on Saturday in Vietnam.

The Flying Titans fell to the battle of third, where they will go up against Kansai University of Social Welfare that they defeated in their tournament opener last Saturday.

Down two sets to one, Choco Mucho showed better composure in the fourth set as Des Cheng delivered a back-to-back crucial service aces that allowed them to force a decider, 25-22.

But the Vietnamese proved to be lethal in the final set, which they opened with a scorching 12-5 run as they never relinquished their lead to complete the five-set victory.

The win set up Vietnam 2 against compatriot Vietnam 1 for the gold medal match.

Choco Mucho will look to end its run on the podium as it takes on the Japanese squad later today.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News