Choco Mucho tries to complete the quarterfinal cast when it squares off with PLDT on Thursday, Aug. 22, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

With their backs against the wall, the Flying Titans aim to improve their 2-5 win-loss record and catch up with the Farm Fresh Foxies in their 3 p.m. tussle with the HD Spikers.

A victory and a tie with Farm Fresh would gain Choco Mucho the eighth spot due to a higher FIVB tiebreak with the Foxies.

A Choco Mucho loss, however, would allow Farm Fresh to catch the last quarters bus and join early quarterfinalists  Akari, Cignal, Creamline, Chery Tiggo, Capital1, Petro Gazz and PLDT.

A stinging three-set defeat to sister team Creamline last Saturday, Aug. 17, proved to be a crucial blow to Choco Mucho’s campaign, but Coach Dante Alinsunurin and the Flying Titans have no time to dwell as they now focus on what lies ahead.

For them to regain their composure, Choco Mucho must reignite its usual fiery attacks after being outplayed offensively by Creamline the last time. Only Dindin Manabat scored in twin figures for the Flying Titans with 10 points, with import Zoi Faki, Royse Tubino, Maddie Madayagand Isa Molde being held in single-digit productions.

However, PLDT is expected not to slow down despite already being assured of a seat into the next round with its 5-2 mark as it tries to bounce back from a tight five-set defeat to the Petro Gazz Angels over the weekend to secure the No. 3 seeding into the next phase.

Out to provide assault for the High Speed Hitters are Elena Samoilenko and Erika Santos, as well as Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron and Kim Fajardo.

Meanwhile, Creamline (5-2) also battles for the No. 3 seeding in its 1 p.m. encounter with also-ran ZUS Coffee (0-7), while Chery Tiggo (5-2) and Petro Gazz (4-3) also gun for crucial positioning in their 5 p.m. tussle.