Missing import, Choco Mucho guts out win against full-force Cignal in four-setter bout

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans reminded everyone that heart can outshine height and imports can wait.

Despite fielding an all-Filipino lineup, the Flying Titans delivered a gutsy performance to outlast the Cignal HD Spikers, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25, in their Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference opener on Monday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Their import, American outside hitter Anyse Smith, has yet to secure her International Transfer Certificate (ITC), leaving Choco Mucho to rely entirely on its local core. 

Yet, instead of faltering, the team thrived — leaning on chemistry, defensive grit, and veteran poise to secure a statement victory over a Cignal squad that had its own foreign reinforcement on deck.

Maddie Madayag led the charge with a game-high 18 points — 11 attacks, six blocks, and one ace — including three of Choco Mucho’s final five points to close out the fourth set. It was Madayag’s service ace that sealed the deal, capping a performance that showcased both dominance and leadership.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

FINAL: Choco Mucho sans Marlee Smith turns back Cignal, 23-25, 25-19, 25-16, 27-25. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/Yc67OrKJRx

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) October 13, 2025

“Those final moments were about trust — trusting my teammates and trusting our system,” Madayag said postgame. “We knew we could close it out if we just stayed composed.”

Isa Molde added 17 points, all from attacks, and was a defensive force with 13 digs. Her consistency provided balance to Choco Mucho’s offense, especially when Cignal mounted late rallies behind Vanie Gandler and Rose Doria-Aquino.

Des Cheng also came up clutch, contributing 14 points and 12 excellent receptions, while Kat Tolentino added 10 markers. Libero Thang Ponce was an unsung hero, anchoring the defense with 32 digs and 20 receptions — numbers that defined the Flying Titans’ resilience.

Setter Deanna Wong orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, ensuring steady ball distribution despite Cignal’s front-line pressure.

Cignal, on the other hand, struggled with efficiency, committing 28 errors and converting poorly on attacks despite solid efforts from Gandler (15 points, 12 digs) and Heather Guino-o (9 points). Greek import Eva Chantava, still adjusting to the local pace, managed just 10 points from 39 attempts.

For coach Dante Alinsunurin and his squad, the win was more than just an opening statement — it was proof that chemistry and confidence can bridge any gap, even against teams with imports.

Choco Mucho looks to continue its inspired start when it faces powerhouse PLDT on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Big Dome. Cignal, meanwhile, will seek redemption against Farm Fresh earlier that day at 1:30 p.m.

Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

  Follow our Facebook page Sports News PH today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!