Choco Mucho rules out Deanna Wong for the rest of the year

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

What a tough blow for the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Entering the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference with the main goal of clinching the elusive championship title, the storied franchise might have to go back to the drawing board after they officially sidelined main setter Deanna Wong for the rest of 2024.

It was the Choco Mucho organization that announced the major update, stating that Wong is still nursing a recurring knee injury that also kept her out of the last phase of the concluded Reinforced Conference several months ago.

Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin also gave some updates regarding Wong and told reporters that she is currently going back to shape to return next year.

According to Choco Mucho, Wong’s timetable of absence will only be until December 2024, and she is targeting her comeback in January 2025.

Stepping up in Wong’s absence is Alas Pilipinas’ orchestrator Mars Alba, the national team’s newest pick-up during their past international tournaments.

Wong became an integral part of Choco Mucho’s consistent playoff appearances and led them to two grand final seats during the past five years.

Meanwhile, a window of hope glittered for Choco Mucho after outside hitter Des Cheng was finally cleared to play and suit up for the Flying Titans this season.

After missing the whole Reinforced Conference due to a knee injury, the former De La Salle attacker made her return in their first match of the All-Filipino against the Petro Gazz Angels.

Despite the loss, Cheng’s return boosted Choco Mucho’s options offensively, teaming up with Sisi Rondina to bolster their pool of spikers.