PVL: Choco Mucho rebounds with a resounding win over NXLED

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans returned to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference winning column after sweeping the NXLED Chameleons, 25-23, 25-19, 25-22, on Oct. 21, 2025, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After suffering a lopsided three-set loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the Flying Titans responded like veterans and vented their ire on the struggling NXLED squad that has yet to pick up a single win in the import-laced conference.

As expected, Choco Mucho dictated the tempo of the match, relying on their two-way efficiency that made the Chameleons work hard for every point they logged on the offensive sheet.

However, Choco Mucho had to endure a rough start when NXLED hit the ground running with a five-point lead in the opening set, 5-10.

With their backs against the wall, Choco Mucho’s American reinforcement Marlee Smith answered the call and came through with much-needed hits that helped her squad even the affair at 19-all.

The Flying Titans’ resurgence came at the perfect time, with Isa Molde backstopping Smith in the final six-game possessions that rewarded Choco Mucho with the momentum-boosting 1-0 lead.

It was all Choco Mucho in the following set as they pummeled NXLED with vicious back-row attacks, capped off by a defensive clinic led by Thang Ponce, who anchored the floor coverage.

NXLED gave their all and threatened to come back in the third and final set after bagging a two-point lead, 21-19, but Choco Mucho put the nail in the coffin with a game-winning 6-1 scoring avalanche to wrap up the win.

Smith spearheaded the Choco Mucho attack with 20 big points built from 18 successful attacks, alongside five excellent receptions and two blocks.

Molde, who provided the spark at the end of the first set, chipped in 11 markers and 14 excellent receptions, while Ponce’s defensive excellence resulted in 17 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions.

The Flying Titans will gun for back-to-back wins on Oct. 31 against the Farm Fresh Foxies, while NXLED aims to notch its first win on the same date against PLDT.