Expect fireworks at the Philsports Arena on Thursday as PLDT and Choco Mucho face off in what promises to be a thrilling Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference showdown, possibly rivaling recent matches that went the distance.
Both teams are coming off contrasting victories in the league’s preliminaries last weekend. The High Speed Hitters (4-2) exacted revenge on the Akari Chargers with a commanding straight-set win, while the Flying Titans (4-3) displayed remarkable resilience, rallying from a two-set deficit to stun the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in a thrilling five-set battle.
When the stakes are this high, preparation, strategy and nerves will be just as crucial as skill in deciding the outcome, especially given the league's penchant for down-to-the-wire finishes, including the Petro Gazz Angels' come-from-behind five-set win over the Chery Tiggo Crossovers late Tuesday.
PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort has been steering his squad to top form, with standout performances from key players like Savi Davison, Majoy Baron, Erika Santos, Dell Palomata and Kiesha Bedonia.
However, much of their focus will be on containing the electrifying Sisi Rondina, Choco Mucho’s star, who is coming off a spectacular 25-point explosion against ZUS Coffee.
The Flying Titans will also look to Dindin Manabat, who tallied 19 points in her last outing, alongside Isa Molde and Lorraine Pecana, to power their offense in this crucial 6:30 p.m. duel.
Meanwhile, sister teams Akari (3-4) and Nxled (0-6) tangle at 4 p.m., with both eager to prove their mettle. The Chargers, led by Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Erika Raagas and Ezra Madrigal, aim to bounce back from a shutout loss to PLDT and improve its 3-4 record.
Games will be broadcast live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph. The event, organized by Sports Vision and backed by official health and beauty partner Watsons, is supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar, and Mikasa.
