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Choco Mucho Fights Hard But Falls Short Against Vietnam 2 In 2023 VTV Cup Semi-Finals
Photo credit: VTV Cup
Choco Mucho gave their all against Vietnam 2 in a gripping five-set match during the semi-finals of the 2023 VTV Cup.

Despite a valiant effort, Choco Mucho's energy waned towards the end, resulting in a heart-wrenching defeat with a final score of 18-25, 25-18, 12-25, 25-22, 15-5. As a consequence of this setback, the team found themselves relegated to the Battle for Bronze, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the tournament held at Lao Cai Gymnasium on Friday. (August 25,2023)

The Flying Titans experienced a slow start but managed to rally and level the game at one set apiece by taking control of the second set. However, their momentum faltered as the Vietnamese team surged forward to dominate the third set, establishing a firm foothold on the path to the gold medal match with an impressive 25-12 score.

A pivotal moment emerged when Des Cheng, displaying her exceptional skills and composure under pressure, turned the tide of the game. With Choco Mucho clinging to a fragile one-point lead of 23-22, Cheng delivered a series of precise serves that left Vietnam struggling to respond. Her ace serves proved instrumental in pushing the match to a climactic fifth set.

The final set saw Vietnam 2 demonstrate their prowess and poise, maintaining their composure in the face of pressure. Their skillful play culminated in a commanding victory, sealing the match with an emphatic 15-5 score, securing their place in the championship match.

Curiously, the same Vietnamese team had narrowly escaped defeat against the Flying Titans a mere three nights earlier, surviving with scores of 20-25, 26-28, 25-21, 25-20, 15-9 in a fierce contest that kept fans at the edge of their seats.

As the dust settles, Vietnam 2 prepares to go head-to-head against Vietnam 1, captained by Tran Thi Thanh Thuy, in the highly anticipated championship match scheduled for Saturday (August 26,2023) at 8 p.m. (Manila time). Meanwhile, Choco Mucho remains determined to secure a coveted podium finish as they gear up for the bronze medal showdown against Japan's Kansai University at 6 p.m. Guided by the strategic prowess of coach Dante Alinsunurin, the team's previous triumph over the Japanese squad during the round-robin eliminations, with scores of 25-17, 25-23, 19-25, 25-22, adds to their confidence going into this decisive encounter.
Aug 26, 2023
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