Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee are riding the momentum of their recent victories as they gear up for a crucial matchup on Thursday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
With the knockout phase fast approaching, both squads are determined to solidify their standings, facing off at 4 p.m. in a match expected to go down-to-the-wire.
The Crossovers bolstered their campaign with a four-set victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend, improving to a 5-3 record. The win placed them in a three-way tie for fourth alongside PLDT High Speed Hitters and Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
However, PLDT holds the edge with 15 points, followed by Chery Tiggo with 14 and Choco Mucho with 12.
With every point crucial in the standings, the format makes set wins just as important as match victories. A straight-set or four-set win earns a team three points, while a five-setter results in two points for the winner and one for the loser. A three-set or four-set defeat leaves a team empty-handed, increasing the urgency of each remaining match.
As the tournament reaches its final 11 playdates before the knockout round, the intensity only escalates. With nine teams still tightly packed in the standings, every match could make or break a team's playoff hopes.
The unique bracket system pits the No. 1 seed against No. 12, No. 2 against No. 11, and so on, with the winners advancing to the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the losers will battle for the last two quarterfinal slots in a high-stakes play-in tournament.
The Crossovers look to maintain their charge as they take on the surging Thunderbelles. Head coach Norman Miguel remains confident in his squad’s ability, leaning on the experience and leadership of Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Shaya Adorador and the ever-reliable Cza Carandang. Their chemistry and playoff experience could give them an advantage over the young but fearless ZUS Coffee squad.
"Maybe it's better for us to focus on our movements as a team, regardless of who our opponent is. But since we're up against ZUS, it's even more important that we execute our movements and system properly. Whatever the coaches want us to do, we need to adapt and execute it correctly," said Galang, who scored 20 points in their last game.
However, ZUS Coffee isn’t backing down without a fight. The Thunderbelles have a balanced mix of veterans and rising stars, with seasoned players Chai Troncoso and Jovelyn Gonzaga leading the charge.
Meanwhile, young guns like Thea Gagate, Michelle Gamit, Gayle Pascual and Chinnie Arroyo have proven their ability to step up in big moments. Coach Jerry Yee’s roster depth – bolstered by key contributors Kate Santiago, Ypril Tapia and playmaker Cloanne Mondoñedo – makes them a dangerous underdog capable of toppling even the most established teams in the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons.
"We always strive to do our best, we work hard, and then we just try to execute. If we get the win, that's good for us; if not, then we keep going and just aim to be better,” said Yee in Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Foxies seek to rebound from their recent setback against the Crossovers as they clash with the struggling Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 6 p.m. main game. While the Foxies hold a 3-4 record compared to Galeries Tower’s 1-6 mark, the Highrisers remain a formidable opponent, having pushed powerhouse teams Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo to five sets in previous encounters.
Foxies head coach Benson Bocboc is banking on his squad’s offensive firepower, with key players Trisha Tubu, Aly Bertolano, Louie Romero, Rizza Cruz, Caitlin Viray and Jolina Dela Cruz all eager to deliver a statement win.
On the other side, Galeries Tower coach Lerma Giron continues to lean on Ysa Jimenez, Jewel Encarnacio, Roselle Baliton, France Ronquillo, Andrea Marzan, Jho Maraguinot and rookie Julia Coronel to bolster their playoff drive in the tournament 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.
