Choco Mucho guns for a second straight victory and an early hold of the solo lead when it takes on debuting ZUS Coffee, while Capital1 and Akari seek to rebound from opening-game defeats in the PVL All-Filipino Siklab Series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Thursday.
The Flying Titans launch their bid at 6 p.m. on the heels of a stirring comeback against the Capital1 Solar Spikers, rallying from two sets down to pull off a stunning victory before a full house at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena in last Saturday’s season-opening matches.
The triumph underscored Choco Mucho’s resilience and ability to turn adversity into opportunity, but the Flying Titans face a different challenge against a ZUS Coffee side eager to make an immediate impact in its league debut.
Led by Eya Laure, Choco Mucho will also lean on Sisi Rondina, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray, Lorene Toring, Des Cheng and Isa Molde as it seeks to sustain its winning momentum against a ZUS Coffee lineup featuring Cess Robles, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo, Jolina dela Cruz, Fiola Ceballos, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riza Nogales and Chai Troncoso.
ZUS Coffee will also parade middle blocker Angela Jackson, a 20-year-old UPIS alumna and the youngest draftee in the PVL, who hopes to make an early impression with her grit and raw potential.
While both teams have the firepower to make their mark, execution and defensive discipline could prove decisive. Choco Mucho displayed both in its comeback against Capital1, overcoming an early deficit to seize control and complete the turnaround.
“Kung ano ‘man ‘yung pwede kong maitulong sa team (para manalo), gagawin ko para masimulan ulit ng maganda ‘yung Choco Mucho,” said head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
“Na-challenge sila eh (sa Capital1). Sobrang thankful ako sa naging response nila, at sana hindi lang ‘to ngayon. Sana marami pa kaming magawa sa next game namin,” he added.
Capital1, meanwhile, gets an immediate chance to redeem itself when it faces Akari at 1 p.m. in a matchup that carries added importance for two teams coming off opening-game losses.
The Solar Spikers appeared poised to live up to their pre-tournament billing after taking the first two sets against Choco Mucho, with the vaunted trio of Bella Belen, Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler delivering as expected. But Alinsunurin made the necessary adjustments, and his wards responded to turn the match around in dramatic fashion.
“Kumbaga, ‘pag tiningnan ‘yung team, nakikita ‘yung potential, pero kailangan namin lumabas na dun sa potential na term na ‘yun. Kailangan namin siyang i-put into work. Kaya, eh, kaya naming manalo as a team,” said Belen.
“So ayun, kailangan lang namin mag-move forward from this game, and ayun, hindi na dapat maulit ‘to. Sabi nga, kailangan first and last na. Ganito ‘yung feeling kasi 2-0 na, eh, na-reverse sweep pa kami,” she added.
Capital1 will need to rediscover its early form and sustain its intensity across the match against an Akari side likewise eager to get back on track after a disappointing debut.
The Chargers struggled to find answers to the dominant showing of the Creamline Cool Smashers in their opening assignment. Only Ivy Lacsina reached double figures with 12 points, as Fifi Sharma, Faith Nisperos, Grethcel Soltones, Jyne Soreno, Chenie Tagaod, Mary Rhose Dapol, Nicole Ancheta and Eli Soyud struggled to make an impact on both ends of the floor.
Coach Tina Salak will need to draw a stronger collective effort from her wards, particularly in providing Lacsina with adequate support, if Akari hopes to emerge as a serious contender.
The opening series is a single-round-robin tournament, with the top four teams advancing to the crossover series. The top two finishers will enjoy twice-to-beat advantages, making every match crucial in the race to the Final Four.
Although the tournament remains in its early stages, another defeat would put Capital1 and Akari under added pressure to keep pace with the contenders and avoid losing ground in the standings.
The conference also introduces an all-to-play format requiring every player on a team’s roster to participate in at least three rallies, placing a premium on roster depth, consistency and endurance throughout the competition.
Meanwhile, action in the Spikers’ Turf resumes with debuting 3B Event Masters taking on Clear Skiin at 3:30 p.m.
