By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Choco Mucho spoiled the professional debut of top rookie pick Bella Belen for Capital1 with a hard-fought 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 victory in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal on Tuesday night, Oct. 7.
Kat Tolentino stepped up for the Flying Titans with 15 points built on 12 kills, while Isa Molde also took charge of their offense and hammered down 13 attacks to finish with 14 points.
Capital1 started strong and even led 19-14 and 24-23 before Molde’s crosscourt spike extended the first-set.
Persistent attempts from both teams ensued until back-to-back soft kills from Tolentino and Tubino gave Choco Mucho the opening-set win.
The Solar Spikers tried to regain their composure even after losing another. tight second set, but the experience of the Flying Titans proved critical.
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP, erupted for 20 points in her pro debut, but her efforts went down the drain.
Leila Cruz added 18 points in a losing cause for the Solar Spikers
