Choco Mucho showed nerves of steel as it turned back a gritty PLDT side, 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12, to book a semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night, Nov. 23.

The Flying Titans displayed poise in the crunch by erasing a 5-0 lead in the nail-biting fifth set on their way to their eighth straight victory in nine games.

The triumph cemented their grip of the second spot while towing Creamline, which earlier won their eighth consecutive victory in as many outings, into the next phase.

High-flying Sisi Rondina flashed her offensive brilliance anew by firing 20 points including 19 kills, while Maddy Madayag sizzled with an all-around game of 13 attacks, three blocks and two aces to finish with 18 points.

After squandering that early lead, PLDT regained its composure with Royse Tubino and Erika Santos fueling their charge to grab the 11-7 upperhand.

But a crosscourt kill from Caitlyn Viray ignited Choco Mucho to score five straight points for a 13-11 edge.

Santos refused to give up the fight for the High Speed Hitters with a counterattack for 13-12, but a service error from Jessey De Leon proved crucial as it gave the Flying Titans the matchpoint advantage.

Choco Mucho did not waste that opportunity as Isa Molde and Maddie Madayag blocked Santos to seal the win in its favor.

Molde also stepped up for the Flying Titans with 15 points while Viray chipped in 10.

Libero Tang Ponce also took charge of their floor defense by making 23 digs.

Savannah Davison exploded with 31 points in a losing effort for PLDT, which put its semis bid in peril after dropping to 5-4 to tie with Petro Gazz at fifth.