Choco Mucho sent another statement on Sunday inside the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center here, spoiling the much-delayed debut of the Perlas Spikers in the 2021 PVL Open Conference courtesy of a straight sets 25-23, 25-20, and 25-20 win.
No Flying Titan was in double-digits, but Ponggay Gaston and Kat Tolentino poured in nine points apiece while skipper Maddie Madayag added eight of her own for their third win in a row to start the season.
"Of course, we're far from finished. All teams keep getting better so we really have to further improve our chemistry," explained head coach Oliver Almadro.
Perlas was just cleared to play last Thursday after the league put on hold their scheduled games because a member of their non-playing staff tested positive for COVID-19.
Finally taking the Taraflex, the Spikers actually threatened to steal Set 1 after Nicole Tiamzon's back-to-back hits. Setter Deanna Wong settled down Choco Mucho, however, and took them out of harm's way.
The Flying Titans wouldn't relinquish momentum the rest of the way, getting another big win to add to their victories versus PLDT and Sta. Lucia. Even better, they take care of business against a Perlas side thought to be a contender, but is yet to get into its groove.
"Perlas, all of the players are really talented. I'm sure they will bounce back," expressed Almadro after he and his girls gave a rude welcome to the debuting Spikers.
Still atop the leaderboard, meanwhile, is defending champion Creamline which blanked luckless PLDT Home Fibr, 25-16, 25-12, and 25-13 for their fourth win in as many games.
The Cool Smashers took out yet another weapon in their arsenal, missing the services of injured middle hitter Jeanette Panaga and just plugging in former FEU standout Ced Domingo who scored six points. Three days ago, fellow reserve Tots Carlos stepped up for former league MVP Jema Galanza.
"I just hope the bench will continue to contribute," exclaimed acting head coach Sherwin Meneses, mentioning how their reserves backstopped Alyssa Valdez who only had, for her high standards, 16 points in this one. "We really want to give (our starters) the rest they need. Good thing they delivered."
PLDT continued its free fall, reeling to its fourth straight loss. Isa Molde pumped in seven hits, the best the Home Fibr Hitters could muster as Shola Alvarez settled for five points.