Despite a lengthy hiatus, anticipate an intense showdown as Choco Mucho and PLDT hit the court, aiming to match Creamline’s lead against separate opponents at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday.
Both teams are riding high from their straight-set victories over separate rivals before the break and are looking to solidify their semifinal aspirations.
The Flying Titans, after dominating the Akari Chargers, are tipped to overcome the Galeries Tower Highrisers, while the High Speed Hitters are bracing for a tough match against the Chargers, making for a thrilling contest as both teams chase crucial wins to bolster their standings in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Choco Mucho and PLDT tote identical 5-1 (win-loss) slates, closely trailing behind Creamline’s 6-1 mark after the Cool Smashers’ hard-fought victory over the Cignal HD Spikers last March 26.
Powered by MVP Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino, the Flying Titans mix it up with the Hightowers at 6 p.m. with the latter, spearheaded by Gracielle Bombita and Audrey Paran, likewise keen on leveraging their own momentum following a decisive win over the Strong' Group Athletics.
Galeries Tower coach Lerma Giron has highlighted their focus on addressing the team’s needs and making the necessary adjustments, which has paid off as the team improved to 2-4 following their strong performance against the Athletics.
Bombita, pivotal in their recent success, is determined to keep her momentum going and rally her team against the formidable Fyling Titans, drawing strength from her teammates and coaches’ support and belief in their strategy.
Meanwhile, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort is banking on standout performances from Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, Fiola Ceballos and Erika Santos as they face a more daunting challenge against the Chargers, featuring key players like Faith Nisperos, Grethcel Soltones, Dindin Manabat and Janine Marciano in the 4 p.m. match.
With 12 more playdates remaining in the single round preliminaries, six teams, including Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, with identical 5-2 records, and Cignal (4-2) are locked in a fierce battle for the semis slots with Akari, Farm Fresh and Galeries Tower still in the hunt despite their 2-4 records.
Games are aired live on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel – RPTV.