Choco Mucho used its depth to overwhelm Strong Group, 25-17, 25-15. 25-15, and all but clinch one of the hotly disputed berths in the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference before a big weekend crowd at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

While Sisi Rondina starred again with her stellar play, the entire Choco Mucho roster, including the bench players, helped propel the team to victory with six others finishing with at least two points, underscoring the team’s prowess and determination.

Former PLDT standout Royse Tubino matched Rondina’s 17-point output, showcasing near-flawless execution in her attacks and attributing the team’s success to seamless cohesion under coach Dante Alinsunurin.

“Konting adjustment lang naman ang ginawa ko, very light lang ang process ng pagje-jell ng team,” said Tubino.

Choco Mucho thus regained the solo lead with an 8-1 record, but the Flying Titans remained focused on securing one more win in their last two games to secure their spot in the semis.

Tubino emphasized the team’s commitment to continuous improvement, particularly in areas such as net defense and her own hitting prowess, as they gear up for a highly anticipated showdown against sister team Creamline on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Blocking, defense, lahat we need to adjust, pati na din palo ko,” added Tubino.

The match stats highlighted Choco Mucho’s dominance as they outclassed the Athletics in various facets of the game. Their 48-attack game, coupled with a formidable defensive presence at the net with 11 blocks, underlined their versatility and tenacity.

They, however, yielded more unforced errors, 15, against the Athletics’ 12.

But that hardly mattered as the last conference’s runner-up scored four aces while conceding just one.

Isa Molde added eight points in a limited stint, Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz finished with five markers each, Regine Arocha poured all her four points in the third set, Chery Nunag scored three hits in the first two frames, and Mean Mendrez made two points in the second set.

After Creamline, Choco Mucho closes out its elims assignment against also-ran Farm Fresh on April 23.

Strong Group, on the other hand, tries to

Skipper Dolly Verzosa delivered 12 points while Souzan Rasland scored seven points for the Athletics, who fell to 0-9. They try nail the elusive win, also against the Foxies on Thursday, or versus the Akari Chargers on April 27.