The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference promises another electrifying showdown as Cignal and Chery Tiggo face off on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Both teams are coming off opening-game wins, setting the stage for an intense clash as they vie for an early share of the lead in this highly competitive tournament.
The HD Spikers made a strong statement with a commanding sweep of the Farm Fresh Foxies in their opener. Boasting a deep and talented lineup, Cignal is led by Ces Molina, Vanie Gandler and ace playmaker Gel Cayuna.
They also have a solid support cast, including Riri Meneses, Rosely Doria and defensive specialist Dawn Catindig. Under the guidance of coach Shaq delos Santos, Cignal looks every bit like a title contender.
On the other side, the Crossovers are aiming to carry forward their momentum from a gritty five-set comeback win over the Capital1 Solar Spikers. Ara Galang shone brightly with a 23-point explosion, while teammates Cess Robles, Shaya Adorador, and Aby Maraño provided crucial support.
Coach Norman Miguel hopes for a more cohesive performance from his squad as they take on the formidable Cignal squad.
At stake in the 4 p.m. match is not just the lead alongside the Akari Chargers and PLDT High Speed Hitters, but also the momentum and confidence needed in this marathon six-month competition, which runs until April 2025.
The 6:30 p.m. match, on the other hand, pits the Capital1 Solar Spikers against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, with both teams seeking redemption. While Choco Mucho rebounded from an opening defeat with a hard-fought win over Galeries Tower Highrisers, Capital1 seeks to bounce back from a tough five-set loss.
Choco Mucho's Kat Tolentino is expected to lead the charge after her stellar 27-point performance. Backed by Chery Rondina and rookie Lorraine Pecaña, the Flying Titans hope to address their lapses and secure a more dominant win this time.
To hurdle the Flying Titans, Capital1 coach Roger Gorayeb will need inspired efforts from his squad, including Leila Cruz, Patty Orendain, and Heather Guino-o, to upset the Flying Titans and find their first win in the league organized by Sports Vision and supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances and Mikasa.
