Tia Andaya shines in first start as Choco Mucho’s new playmaker finds her rhythm in PVL Reinforced Conference

In only her first start as Choco Mucho’s setter, Tia Andaya showed why the Flying Titans believe she’s a key piece for the team’s future. The 24-year-old orchestrated Choco Mucho’s offense with poise and energy, guiding them to a 25-23, 25-19, 25-22 sweep of the Nxled Chameleons on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum — a performance that felt like a breakthrough moment in her young PVL career.

Andaya notched 15 excellent sets and eight points, including three blocks, in a commanding all-around effort that balanced control and creativity.

More importantly, her presence gave Choco Mucho a fresh rhythm — one that the team had been trying to fine-tune since the start of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.

“Obviously, when you have a new setter, it kind of mixes things up a little bit because it’s a different flow, so I think we worked really well to kind of find that flow,” Andaya said, reflecting on her growing chemistry with the team. “You can tell in the first set we were still trying to find it, but once we got it all in, I think we came together well and I’m excited to see how it continues to progress.”

The match was more than just a win for Choco Mucho (2-1). It was proof that Andaya — a newcomer to the PVL — is settling into the system with increasing confidence.

Having already played a pivotal role in the Flying Titans’ earlier win against Cignal, she continues to learn how to direct one of the league’s most dynamic rosters. 

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.

Tia Andaya shares that scoring points is part of her game as a setter and expresses satisfaction with her chemistry with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, remaining open to learning and growing in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. #OSOnTheSpot #PVL2025 #TheHeartofVolleyball pic.twitter.com/1Pd1LI3eeJ

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) October 21, 2025

“Every game is gonna be a new challenge, every game has different obstacles and just facing adversity,” she shared. “But I think, having solid teammates who are doing their job consistently, it makes my job so easy.”

Her teammates’ steady play and the coaching staff’s trust have made the transition smoother. Still, Andaya acknowledged that connection-building — particularly with the team’s spikers — is an ongoing process.

“I think you’re always gonna have to sharpen that connection with someone at some point in time, and I do think it’s gotten better, it’s getting better for sure,” she said. “Everybody’s a little bit different, but I can see we’re moving in a positive direction, so I’m happy about it.”

Head coach Dante Alinsunurin echoed that sentiment, noting how Andaya’s developing chemistry complements the steadiness of starting setter Deanna Wong.

“I think that’s the main difference between Deanna and Tia in our situation,” Alinsunurin said in Filipino. “Tia still needs more game time to build a better connection with the players. Deanna, on the other hand, is always ready… But for this game, we really needed Tia more, which is why she was the one on the court.”

For Andaya, Tuesday’s victory wasn’t just another win — it was a validation of her progress and a glimpse of what she can bring to Choco Mucho moving forward.

“We got the win. That’s a confidence booster for everybody,” she said with a smile. “Just seeing how we continue to get better throughout the match, that’s a really positive thing for us.”

As the Flying Titans continue their Reinforced Conference campaign, Andaya’s emergence as a confident, adaptable playmaker could very well be the spark that propels them deeper into contention.

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!