MANILA, Philippines – The Choco Mucho Flying Titans will be facing a familiar foe in the finals of the 2023 PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference beginning Thursday, taking on sister team Creamline Cool Smashers in best-of-three clash.
The PVL finals first-timers will be keen to score a big win over their fellow Rebisco-backed squad, especially since the Cool Smashers were the only team to beat them in eliminations, leading them to finish second in the standings with a 10-1 slate.
For Kat Tolentino, much will be different this time around, with all the team’s learnings contributing to their growth during the conference.
“I think the maturity of the team going this whole season will definitely help us,” said the opposite spiker.
“I mean, we’ve gained so much confidence and just the growth even the past few games, working together, and again learning and sticking to coach Dante’s system ‘cause I think that’s really the key.”
Not only will Choco Mucho be trying to avenge their loss in this conference, they are also looking to finally break through in their sibling rivalry matchups.
During the team’s history, they have faced Creamline a total of nine times — and they have yet to win a single one.
With everythi ng on the line now, Tolentino hopes to flesh out more of their growth and development under the new system of head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“We’ve constantly been trying to improve how we adapt and I think we’re going there. Hopefully in the finals we’ll be able to show even more,” she said.
Choco Mucho and Creamline kick off their blockbuster finals series this Thursday, December 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
MANILA, Philippines — NLEX gets an extra motivation in its skid-stopping bid tonight as Asi Taulava is poised to set a new PBA re cord and newly-acquired Robert Bolick up for his debut.
The Road Warriors (2-5) activated the 50-year-old Taulava and former NorthPort star Bolick yesterday ahead of their Commissioner’s Cup showdown with TNT (2-3) in the 8 p.m. main game at the PhilSports Arena.
Taulava’s deployment will enable him to play on his 24th season in the league, breaking the tie with the legendary Robert Jaworski at 23. This serves as a sweetener for the jersey retirement ceremony NLEX has set for “The Rock” at halftime.
“The activation for the Wednesday game signifies a special moment for the NLEX Road Warriors and the entire PBA community as they witness Taulava’s unparalleled dedication to the sport,” the team said yesterday.
The Road Warriors are equally excited to unleash Bolick after apparently striking a deal quickly upon acquiring his rights from the Batang Pier this week.
“In addition to Taulava, the NLEX Road Warriors will also see the debut of newly-acquired guard Robert Bolick, adding further excitement to the team’s roster,” the squad said.
This marks Bolick’s PBA comeback after his short stint with Fukushima in the Japanese B. League.
The Frankie Lim-coached crew also recalled Hesed Gabo to active duty following the departure of Don Trollano and Kris Rosales in the Bolick deal.
Like NLEX, the Tropang Giga led by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson and Calvin Oftana are bent to wheel back on track after consecutive losses to Meralco and NorthPort.
The same stop-the-bleeding objective, meanwhile, is carried by Converge (0-6) and Terrafirma (2-4), which tangle in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser.