In a crucial battle for the last quarterfinal spot in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, Choco Mucho goes head-to-head against PLDT in a high-stakes match that could determine the future of the Flying Titans’ season.
Currently sitting at ninth place with a 2-5 record and seven points, Choco Mucho is just half a game behind Farm Fresh, which holds an 8-point, 3-5 record. A decisive victory over the High Speed Hitters in their 3 p.m. clash at the FilOil EcoOil Center in San Juan City would secure the Flying Titans’ place in the knockout stage as the No. 8 seed, setting them up for a challenging quarterfinal against the top-seeded and unbeaten Akari Chargers.
A win in three or four sets would grant Choco Mucho three points and guarantee its progress to the knockout phase. Even if the match extends to a fifth set, a victory would still earn them two points, potentially securing the quarterfinal slot.
With a joint third-place standing alongside Creamline and Chery Tiggo, PLDT is vying for the No. 3 seed to potentially face No. 6 Capital1 in the quarters. This makes their match, along with the 1 p.m. clash between Creamline and ZUS Coffee and the 5 p.m. encounter between Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz, crucial for positioning.
Choco Mucho’s recent stinging loss to the Cool Smashers has heightened the stakes for the Flying Titans’ match against the High Speed Hitters. And coach Dante Alinsunurin needs to craft strategies to break through their opponents’ formidable defense and motivate his key players, including Dindin Manabat, Royse Tubino, Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag, Maika Ortiz, Mars Alba and Deanna Wong.
Greek outside hitter Zoi Faki will also be looking to make a significant impact.
