With its key players back in action, Choco Mucho reclaimed the spotlight in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, drubbing a gritty Capital1 squad in straight sets, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, in Pool A play at the Ynares Center Montalban in Rizal, Tuesday night.

The return of mainstays Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag – coming off injury and a stint in Japan, respectively – proved pivotal for the Flying Titans, who showed veteran poise in a one-hour and 43-minute grind against the youthful Solar Spikers.

Tolentino, who top-scored for Choco Mucho with 15 points, downplayed the team’s early struggles in the marathon opening set, attributing it more to a need to warm up than nerves.

“We weren’t nervous we just had to get into the rhythm,” said Tolentino. “Personally, I didn’t feel anything. I’m just very grateful and happy to be back. Being able to play again is a blessing – winning is just a bonus.”

After surviving the extended first-set battle and holding off Capital1’s rallies in the second frame, Choco Mucho found itself on shaky ground late in the third. But the Flying Titans held their nerve, coming back from several one-point deficits and sealing the sweep with their trademark net defense.

With the score tied at 23 after a hit from Dindin Manabat, Madayag came up big, blocking Rovena Instrella’s attack to reach match point, then followed it up with another emphatic rejection – again on Instrella – to clinch the set – and the match.

Tolentino drew solid support from Isa Molde, who contributed 14 points. Middle blocker Lorraine Pecaña added eight, while Des Cheng and Cherry Nunag chipped in seven and six markers, respectively.

Madayag and Royse Tubino finished with five points apiece, with the former highlighting her performance with the crucial final two that iced the victory.

Choco Mucho’s experience and composure were on full display as it outworked its rival, particularly at the net. The Flying Titans tallied 11 blocks – three more than the Solar Spikers – and narrowly edged them in attacks, 56-51.

Despite the loss, Capital1’s top rookie pick Bella Belen delivered an impressive league debut, pouring in 20 points. Fellow national team standout Leila Cruz also sparkled with 18 markers.

However, the duo couldn’t fully lift the Solar Spikers, who absorbed their 16th straight defeat since their last win – a four-setter over Nxled on Nov. 30, 2024.

Capital1 showed plenty of promise, pushing a veteran team to the limit in all three sets. But in the end, their youth and inconsistency proved costly against a more seasoned opponent that simply knew how to close.

Coach Dante Alinsunurin’s masterstroke substitutions in the clutch also proved decisive as the Flying Titans outmaneuvered their opponents when it mattered most.

Choco Mucho and Capital1 battled fiercely in the opening set, treating fans to a thriller that unfolded like everything was on the line. The Solar Spikers, buoyed by blue-chip rookies, looked ready to cruise after building a commanding 21-16 lead late in the frame.

But the Flying Titans, banking on experience and poise, mounted a determined comeback that turned the set into a seesaw battle.

Belen hammered a clutch kill to bring Capital1 to set point, as they sought to snap a long dry spell dating back to their last win on Nov. 24. Yet Choco Mucho wasn’t about to fold.

Behind Tubino, the Flying Titans clawed back, with the seasoned hitter delivering consecutive power hits to force two deuces.

Though a long serve gave Capital1 another shot at the set, Manabat responded with a well-timed kill to extend the frame to 26-all.

Choco Mucho kept pushing, earning set point four times. But Capital1 showed grit of their own, fending off each attempt.

The Solar Spikers momentarily regained control following a Madayag service error and a crafty one-handed push from Jorelle Singh that earned them another set point. Still, Choco Mucho refused to back down.

Tubino came up big once more, this time with a clever drop ball to tie things up again. Then, with nerves at their peak, Niegos committed back-to-back errors – a mistimed jump on a quick attack and a flawed hit – handing Choco Mucho the hard-fought set, 33-31.

The Flying Titans’ resilience paid off, giving them a crucial 1-0 lead in a match that already had the feel of a finals showdown.