Eya Laure’s return helps Choco Mucho escape Galeries in 5 sets

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

After missing the last game due to an abdominal injury, Eya Laure is now back, steering the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to a thrilling 26-24, 20-25, 22-25, 25-13, 15-12 victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Feb. 26, 2026.

Laure made up for lost time and sparked the Flying Titans with an all-around effort of 18 points built from 14 successful attacks, seven excellent receptions, three excellent digs and two service aces.

After Choco Mucho took the fourth set decisively to set up the intense decider, Laure weaved her magic at the most crucial time in the fifth set after spearheading a 5-0 run that got the Flying Titans out of the early 5-8 hole.

From trailing by three points, Choco Mucho quickly got back in the driver’s seat, 10-8, fueled by a Laure back-row attack and a crafty drop ball to cap off the 5-0 run.

Galeries countered with back-to-back hits from Jean Asis and Erika Deloria for a 10-all deadlock, but the duo of Laure and Sisi Rondina carried Choco Mucho to the finish line, with a little help from a costly Gayle Pascual error.

Choco Mucho got off to a convincing start after outworking Galeries in the opener to take a 1-0 lead, but the Highrisers responded with grit, sweeping the next two sets to retake a 2-1 advantage.

Stepping up for Choco Mucho in the crucial fourth set were Laure and Rondina, but it was Lorraine Pecana who shouldered most of the offense in the final eight possessions.

Rondina produced the same number of points as Laure alongside 13 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions to wrap up the five-set battle with another triple-double outing.

Pecana was superb and paid off the trust of the Choco Mucho coaching staff, delivering 15 markers, including four kill blocks and four service aces.

On the other hand, Deloria tried to hold the fort for Galeries with a game-high 19-point tally, but the well-oiled Choco Mucho artillery just proved to be too much.

The Flying Titans seek to sustain momentum and build a winning streak on March 3, 2026, against the Nxled Chameleons, while the Highrisers aim to arrest their skid on the same date against the rolling Creamline Cool Smashers.