MANILA, Philippines — Mars Alba turned out to be the biggest surprise for Choco Mucho as her crucial cut shot led to the Flying Titans’ nail-biting win over PLDT Game 2 of the quarterfinals that sealed their entry to the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals.

With the game at at 13 in the fifth set, Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin brought in Deanna Wong to play for Royse Tubino and Alba  during the pressure-packed moment in front of an ecstatic 2,443 fans at Philsports Arena on Tuesday.

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Even Alba was surprised by his coach’s decision to keep her inside with Wong. 

“At that time, I was thinking I was just a backup player. Ate was at the front, so I just stayed ready. I didn’t expect her to set me the ball, but I was ready to contribute however I could,” said Alba after the 25-15, 12-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-13 win.

“I didn’t see it coming because I thought Ate and I would switch positions, but then she said, ‘no, you stay in.’”

Choco Mucho Flying Titans’ Mars Alba during Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Surprisingly, Wong turned to Alba for the crucial kill that put Choco Mucho at matchpoint, 14-13, before Sisi Rondina sent their team to an emotional celebration as they became the first to enter the round-robin semifinals starting next week.

Alba finished with 22 excellent sets and seven points including two aces to extend the Flying Titans’ winning streak to nine games — unbeaten this year in eight games. They have also won all their seven five-setters matches this conference.

The former La Salle star, who spelled the difference in Game 1 to fight back from a two-set deficit, said her crucial spike was a result of her extra work in their attacking drills in training.

READ; PVL: Mars Alba plays game-changer in Choco Mucho fightback

“I feel confident because of my practice. Lately, I’ve been joining the free spiking drills, so I’m getting better at it. I also feel good about the connection I have with Ate Deanna,” she said.

Alinsunurin knew that Alba would hit that big play with setter showing promise practice. The decision to have two setters in the crucial moment also put them at an advantage against the High Speed Hitters led by Savi Davison’s 34-point explosion.

“Before we made any changes, we carefully thought about it because we needed to switch players. I saw that it would be better if the setter took that position since it’s her role. We didn’t really have anyone else who could fill in for the opposite hitter. I’m just really thankful because everything worked out, and our system played out well in the game,” Alinsunurin said.

Alba said just grateful for the trust of her whole team and the strong support from the fans.

“We’re really grateful for the Choco Mucho fans. Their support, cheering for us during games, means a lot. Win or lose, they’re always there for us,” Alba said.