If the early results of the PVL On Tour knockout quarterfinals are any gauge, then records and rankings should hold true in Saturday's final set of Last 8 duels at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
But then again, the only predictable thing in this pre-season tournament has been its unpredictability. Nxled and Creamline may appear every inch the last two semifinalists – boasting deep rosters and impressive prelims runs – but nothing is guaranteed once the first serve is up.
The Chameleons, buoyed by a souped-up roster featuring prized rookies and a steadily improving core of seasoned campaigners, take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 4 p.m. with the former chasing not just a semis slot – they’re aiming for a rare chance to be counted among the PVL’s elite.
Coach Ettore Guidetti will once again pin his hopes on EJ Cariño, Chiara Permentilla, Jaycel Ann delos Reyes and Jovelyn Fernandez, alongside sensational rookies Lyann de Guzman and May Ann Nuique.
De Guzman, in particular, has quickly set the bar for newcomers, opening her pro career with a 21-point debut against Petro Gazz, followed by a stunning 24-point outburst versus Choco Mucho. Though she saw limited action in Nxled’s last match – a breezy win over Farm Fresh – she is expected to start in this high-stakes encounter, one that could mark a turning point for a team long searching for breakthroughs.
Up for grabs is not only the third Final Four seat but also a place in the upcoming Invitational Conference, which will feature the four PVL On Tour semifinalists and two foreign guest squads.
Chery Tiggo, however, won’t be an easy hurdle. The 2021 PVL pro champions have weathered roster changes and the loss of key players to national team duties during this busy international season. Still, their emphatic sweep of the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the knockout stage signaled a potential resurgence.
The Crossovers will lean on Cess Robles, Imee Hernandez, Ara Galang, Shaya Adorador and Pauline Gaston to challenge a Chameleons side led by their former mainstay, Cariño. They also boast promising rookies Renee Penafiel, Erika Deloria and Reyann Canete – Penafiel seeing the most floor time so far, but the others primed to make an impact when called upon.
The winner will take on the Cignal HD Spikers, who dispatched the Akari Chargers in three in the quarterfinals, for a spot in the Finals.
Meanwhile, at 6:30 p.m., the Creamline Cool Smashers face the Farm Fresh Foxies in a clash of pedigree versus promise.
For years, Creamline’s path to prominence has been paved through knockout battles and adversity. Even with roster transitions, they’ve maintained their championship poise. Coach Sherwin Meneses can rely on his team’s deep chemistry, resilience and vast experience to deliver in moments that matter most.
The Foxies, however, are far from mere spectators. Guided by fiery tactician Alessandro Lodi, Farm Fresh is eager to prove it belongs among the PVL’s best. With heavy-hitters Trisha Tubu and Jolina dela Cruz, plus Lorene Toring, Caitlin Viray, Rizza Cruz and crafty setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, they aim to test Creamline’s armor and force an upset.
But the Cool Smashers’ arsenal is as imposing as ever. Even with top scorer Tots Carlos doubtful to start, they have the firepower of Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga and Michele Gumabao, backed by Sheena Toring, Lorie Bernardo and Rose Vargas.
