Choco Mucho and F2 Logistics expect to come out fresh and strong after a long break – and with new ploys and surprises to startle each other in pursuit of an all-important win in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday.
The 6:30 p.m. clash between the Flying Titans and the Cargo Movers stakes no less than the first semifinal slot in Group B after the two teams swept their first two matches in the short single-round elims in the two-division mid-season offering of the league organized by Sports Vision.
With both teams boasting of seasoned campaigners and reinforced by top-notch recruits and rookies, it will be a question of execution and desire, particularly if and when the match goes to a nerve-wracking finish.
The lull has given both sides time to sharpen their skills, strengthen the facets where they are strong at, and improve on the areas where the other side could cash in on and capitalize.
“I’m happy we have a lot of options now but I have to make sure that they gel in together,” said F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego before the league headed to the nine-day break.
Truly, Diego has a potent mix which she could rely on at any given set. She can go to hitters Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Ara Galang or Myla Pablo and middle Aby Maraño and playmaker Kim Fajardo although she had opted to give Jolina dela Cruz and Jovelyn Fernandez and setter Marionne Alba quality times with the three rookies rising to the challenge in their first two games.
But ranged against the tall Flying Titans, the Cargo Movers would need to come up with new plays to fuel their offensive drive although they must also come up with something in defense to slow down a looming Choco Mucho assault.
Sisi Rondina has provided not just scoring option but also power, resolve and more importantly leadership to a team looking to score a breakthrough in the league backed by BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Mikasa, SMART, Rebisco, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar in four years.
After debuting with a top-scoring 14-point barrage against Farm Fresh and banging in 19 points, including 15 hits, versus Foton, the high-flying former UST firebrand is more than likely to put in another sterling performance as the Flying Titans try to zero in on the first semis seat.
“We’re thankful for her (Rondina) performance, she reciprocates the trust we're giving her,” said Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin.
But Alinsunurin credited his wards’ early surge to team effort.
“Tumataas ang porsiyento sa lahat ng ginagawa namin. Kahit sino sa kanila pwede kong gamitin,” added Alinsunurin , who also expects to draw big games from Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon, Maddie Madayag, Des Cheng, Caitlyn Viran, Maika Ortiz, Cherry Nunag and top setter Deanna Wong
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz seeks to improve its 1-1 mark, also in Group B, as it faces Farm Fresh, winless in two games, in the 9:30 a.m. opener of a busy four-game bill, ushering in the last four elims playdates.
Cignal also tries to stay in the semis hunt for its second win in three games against Foton in another Group B match at 12 noon with the Tornadoes, like the Foxies, out to break into the win column in three starts.
Chery Tiggo and Akari, toting identical 0-1 slates, tangle in the lone Group A clash at 4 p.m.
Games are aired on PVL.ph, One Sports, and One Sports+ with live streaming on Smart Livestream, Cignal Play and Pilipinas Live.
