Choco Mucho import Marlee Smith frustrated by PVL debut delay amid PNVF standoff

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ highly anticipated import Marlee Smith was left frustrated after being unable to make her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) debut in the 2025 Reinforced Conference due to ongoing clearance issues.

Smith, considered one of the top imports this season, revealed she only learned about her ineligibility upon arriving at the venue for the Flying Titans’ opening match at the Ynares Center in Montalban. The delay stems from an unresolved standoff between the PVL and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) regarding the clearance of foreign reinforcements.

“I felt kind of frustrated at first, but it’s okay. It just wasn’t meant to be,” Smith said during a media availability. “I’m just preparing for the rest of this week and focusing on what we have to do next. It’s just one game.”

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Despite the setback, Smith remains optimistic about suiting up for Choco Mucho in their upcoming match against the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, October 11, at the City of Dasmariñas Arena.

‘FRUSTRATED, BUT WE MOVE’ 🍫

Choco Mucho import Marlee Smith reacts to the PVL-PNVF impasse, resulting to an indefinite delay on her PVL debut. #PVL2025 #PVLReinforced @spinph pic.twitter.com/65bzjxfS6o

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) October 7, 2025

“I’m not too worried about it. We spoke to the higher authorities and they said it will be taken care of,” she added. “We just gotta practice, work hard, and keep doing what we do. That’s all I can do right now.”

Choco Mucho has historically struggled in import-laden conferences, finishing seventh in 2022 with Odina Aliyeva (Azerbaijan) and ninth in 2024 with Zoi Faki (Greece). Smith hopes to change that narrative and help lead the squad to a breakthrough performance this year.

“I feel like I was a great piece to put into the puzzle,” said Smith. “We all work very hard and are dedicated. As the season goes on, you’ll see our fire and determination on the court.”

The Flying Titans began their 2025 Reinforced Conference campaign on a high note, sweeping the Capital1 Solar Spikers, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, on Tuesday, October 7.

With key players Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, and Dindin Santiago-Manabat back in the lineup, Choco Mucho is poised for a strong run—especially once Smith finally steps on the court.

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