Kat Tolentino, Choco Mucho Outlasts Capital1, Ruins Bella Belen’s Pro Debut

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by Raymund Tamayo

Choco Mucho's veteran spiker Kat Tolentino (10) during their opening-day win against Capital1 in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Choco Mucho's veteran spiker Kat Tolentino (10) during their opening-day win against Capital1 in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. Photo: PVL Images.

The Choco Mucho Flying Titans wasted no time making a statement in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference, outlasting a gritty Capital1 squad in straight but hard-fought sets, 33-31, 26-24, 25-23, in a Pool A match Tuesday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.

With both teams missing their foreign reinforcements due to the ongoing ITC clearance delay from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), the Flying Titans showed that local firepower is more than enough to get the job done.

Veterans Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag marked their much-awaited return with the same composure and poise that once defined Choco Mucho’s rise, while Isa Molde kept the team steady with her relentless attacking. Tolentino turned in an all-around performance with 15 points (12 attacks, two blocks, one ace) plus 11 digs—proof that she hasn’t missed a beat. Molde added 14 points, showcasing her growing leadership on the floor.

But if there was one player who turned heads on the other side, it was Bella Belen, who made her professional debut for Capital1. The three-time UAAP MVP looked right at home in the pros, posting an impressive triple-double of 20 points, 18 digs, and 12 excellent receptions. Despite her stellar showing, Capital1 couldn’t find the composure to close out crucial points, falling short in each tightly contested set.

Capital1 star Bella Belen vows to bounce back from her team's opening-day loss.
Capital1 star Bella Belen vows to bounce back from her team's opening-day loss. Photo: PVL Images.

The league-wide import hold-up continues to affect several squads, including Choco Mucho’s Tia Andaya, who was unable to suit up as she awaits her clearance from the federation. Still, Coach Dante Alinsunurin’s squad refused to let that derail their momentum, instead leaning on chemistry, defense, and patience—traits honed from seasons of heartbreak and near misses.

For Choco Mucho, this victory wasn’t just about opening their campaign with a win—it was about sending a message. Even without the added firepower of their reinforcements, this team has the depth, grit, and veteran steadiness to battle anyone across the net.

The Flying Titans celebrate after winning a play.
The Flying Titans celebrate after winning a play. Photo: PVL Images.

If Tolentino continues to fire on all cylinders and Molde sustains her rhythm, the Flying Titans might just have what it takes to soar higher than ever this season.