Petro Gazz seeks to fine-tune its strategies and iron out the minor details as it gears up for the unpredictable semifinals next Tuesday, facing Nxled on Saturday to cap off the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The Angels have been on a roll lately, sweeping their last four matches, including a crucial win over fellow semifinalist Creamline Cool Smashers. And they are heavily favored to overcome the Chameleons in their 4 p.m. match of a triple-bill marking the end of the two-month-long preliminary stage.
With the semifinal lineup confirmed, featuring Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo, Petro Gazz will determine the final standings in the Top 4, setting the stage for the first semis matches on Tuesday.
The top-ranked team will face the No. 3 squad at 6 p.m. while the second- and fourth-ranked teams will clash in the 4 p.m. opener, also at the Pasig venue.
A three- or four-set victory for the Angels will secure them a 9-2 record, clinching the top spot and setting up an intriguing showdown with the Cool Smashers, who will finish fourth with an 8-3 record.
Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo also boast 9-2 cards with 26 and 25 tally points, respectively, but Petro Gazz will claim the top seed with 28 points if they secure a convincing win over Nxled.
However, a loss for Petro Gazz could see the two-time Reinforced Conference champions drop to third or fourth place, with Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo taking the top two spots.
Petro Gazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara is expected to maximize his team’s potential, possibly experimenting with new combinations to add an extra edge and surprise factor against their semis opponents.
On the other hand, the 4-6 Chameleons, however, are determined to end their campaign on a high note with Camille Victoria, Ivy Lacsina and Jho Maraguinot going all out to showcase their skills against their more experienced rivals.
Meanwhile, Cignal clashes with Capital1 at 2 p.m., while Akari and Strong Group wrap it all up at 6 p.m. with all four teams aiming for victories and pride.
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.
