Chery Tiggo and Cignal go all-out in pursuit of victories that would not only redeem themselves from qualifying round setbacks but also secure the last two quarterfinal berths in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Tuesday.
A victory by both Chery Tiggo and Cignal would clinch them spots in the quarterfinals, rendering the final Play-In playdate on Thursday a mere formality. Both teams carry 1-0 slates in their respective pools, and another win would complete the cast of eight heading to the next phase of the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
The Crossovers swept the Nxled Chameleons in three sets to gain control of Pool B, while the HD Spikers bucked a second-set stumble to turn back the Solar Spikers in Pool A – moving both squads within striking distance of the quarters.
However, Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee – two teams that have yet to make a huge splash in the league – are determined to defy the odds and keep their quarterfinal hopes alive. A pair of reversals would turn Thursday’s playdate into a decisive, all-or-nothing showdown for the last two quarterfinal slots.
The Crossovers, bannered by seasoned campaigners like Cess Robles, Shaya Adorador, Pauline Gaston, Ara Galang, and reinforced by the middle blocking duo of Seth Rodriguez and Aby Maraño, have the clear edge in experience. Head coach Norman Miguel, however, remains wary of Farm Fresh’s hunger and tenacity.
"Our mindset is really to maintain that killer instinct, and hopefully, we can carry it over to our game against Farm Fresh. We also need to keep up our teamwork, listen to our coaches, and once we gain the lead, we have to keep pushing hard because these games are no joke. We're going all out," said Adorador, who scored 14 points against the Chameleons, in Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Foxies, mentored by Benson Bocboc, will rely on the offensive firepower of Trisha Tubu, Aly Bertolano, Caitlyn Viray and Jolina Dela Cruz with Louie Romero setting the pace. Despite their underdog status, Farm Fresh is hungry to prove it belongs with the league’s top teams.
In the nightcap, Cignal, despite missing some key players, has found a gem in top rookie Ishie Lalongisip, whose explosive plays have complemented the veteran presence of Vanie Gandler, Roselyn Doria-Aquino and Jackie Acuña. The HD Spikers have also been drawing strength from their solid floor defense, thanks to libero Dawn Catindig and multi-titled setter Gel Cayuna.
"We’re always looking at the brighter side of every situation because if we focus on the negatives, nothing good will happen to our team. It’s like a blessing in disguise since we get to play more games and encounter situations where we can learn how to handle things better, which we can carry over to our future matches," said Lalongisip in Filipino, on their mindset in this Play-In.
But the Thunderbelles, led by veteran hitter Jovelyn Gonzaga and young guns Thea Gagate, Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual and Chinnie Arroyo, are determined to seize the moment and keep their playoff dreams alive.
With coach Jerry Yee steering the ship, ZUS Coffee is banking on a mix of experience and youthful energy to pull off an upset.
The stakes are high for all four teams. For Chery Tiggo and Cignal, a win guarantees a quarterfinal seat – but for Farm Fresh and ZUS Coffee, it’s about proving they belong among the league’s elite.
Otherwise, it could be a straight road to the quarters for Chery Tiggo and Cignal, finally putting them back on track after shaky preliminary round campaigns in the league supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.
Games are aired live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.
