VALDEZ, GALANZA: CHOCO MUCHO A DIFFERENT BEAST NOW

MANILA, Philippines: Choco Mucho is simply a different beast now.

That is what Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza practically implied after their Creamline Cool Smashers lost for the first time ever to the Flying Titans, 25-13, 25-19, 21-25, 20-25, 16-18, at the start of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference round robin semifinals at the PhilSports Arena on Tuesday, April 30.

"I tipped my hat off to coach Dante [Alinsunurin] especially in terms of how he makes adjustments for his team," said Galanza, whose Creamline lost to Choco Mucho for the first time in their 13 matches against each other.

"Making the Finals last year is huge for them as it boosts their morale. Maddie [Madayag] said that they're a different team now and they really are. As their sister team, I'm happy for them since we're both elevating and playing better."

Galanza pumped 23 points laced with 18 excellent receptions and 13 digs against Choco Mucho in the two-hour and 47-minute match.

Valdez, who echoed Galanza's sentiments, also came through with 21 points and nine receptions in the contest.

"More than the skills, I think after that finals appearance (against us) last conference, we've seen and we've felt also in today's game their immense heart and composure," said Valdez.

"I guess overall, [they've] been improving mentally, physically, and as a team. So it's gonna be a tougher and stronger Choco Mucho for sure," added the three-time PVL MVP.

Galanza, Valdez and the rest of the defending champs Cool Smashers are now basically in a do-or-die position, needing no less than a win on Thursday against the Petro Gazz Angels to keep their finals and title-retention bid alive.

Creamline played against Choco Mucho without ace spiker and reigning MVP Tots Carlos, who did not play as she is in South Korea until Wednesday for the KOVO tryouts.

Whether or not the three-time league MVP can play on Thursday for Creamline remains to be seen.

Valdez admitted that they missed Carlos badly in their game against Choco Mucho but she's not making it an excuse for their loss, insisting that the Sherwin Meneses-coached team is less about a single player and more on its system.

"I guess we miss Tots definitely but we run in a system. Some of us get lost at times but coach Sherwin makes sure that we're all gonna follow our system."

2024-05-01T03:40:20Z dg43tfdfdgfd