The Premier Volleyball League On Tour continues to deliver edge-of-your-seat action as it heads to Ilagan City for its fourth provincial leg, with a loaded Saturday double-header that promises both intensity and intrigue.
Fresh from a commanding straight-set victory over Farm Fresh, PLDT looks to extend its momentum – but it won’t come easy. The High Speed Hitters are set to face a Petro Gazz side teeming with experience and firepower, and more importantly, one that boasts an All-Filipino crown on its résumé.
It’s a clash between a surging contender and a proud champion – one of the many compelling subplots fueling the PVL’s unpredictable preseason showcase. With the tour already drawing big crowds in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, Batangas City and Montalban, Rizal, the spotlight now shifts to The Capital Arena in Ilagan, hosting a PVL event of this magnitude for the very first time.
But before the highly anticipated PLDT-Petro Gazz showdown at 6:30 p.m., Choco Mucho and Farm Fresh face off at 4 p.m., both eager to get back on track after suffering setbacks in their previous outings.
The PVL On Tour has been nothing short of dramatic. In fact, nothing quite captures the unpredictable nature of the league than the thrilling five-setters staged last week in Montalban, where ZUS Coffee and Chery Tiggo barely scraped past Capital1 and Akari in gut-wrenching duels.
This element of surprise, fueled by revamped rosters, high-impact rookies, and improved depth across the board, has kept fans on their toes. Perennial powerhouses are now being pushed to the brink, while rising squads – once seen as underdogs – are now redefining the league’s hierarchy.
No team exemplifies this earth-shaking shift more than Nxled.
Once struggling to find its footing, the Chameleons are now the toast of the league with a blazing 2-0 start. Powered by standout rookie Lyann De Guzman, Nxled has stunned Petro Gazz in five and outclassed Choco Mucho in four.
De Guzman has been particularly sensational, dropping 21 points in their opener and erupting for 24 in their follow-up win – an emergence that has electrified fans and reshaped expectations.
Choco Mucho, however, remains dangerous. It opened its campaign with a win over Galeries Tower and is eager to bounce back after faltering against Nxled. Behind the leadership of Isa Molde, the steady presence of Aduke Ogunsanya and Royse Tubino, and the emergence of rookies Jen Villegas and Ayesha Juegos, Choco Mucho remains a potent threat in Pool A.
Farm Fresh, meanwhile, is still chasing its first win under new coach Alessandro Lodi. Despite a strong showing from Trisha Tubu and Rizza Cruz in their opening loss to PLDT, the Foxies fell short in straight sets.
To turn things around, they’ll need more consistent production from Caitlin Viray, Jolina Dela Cruz, Maicah Larroza, Louie Romero, and the rest of the supporting cast.
PLDT, on the other hand, looms as a formidable challenge for any opponent. Powered by the likes of Kiesha Bedonia and Mika Reyes – who combined for 24 points in their dominant opening win – the High Speed Hitters are clicking early.
With Jovie Prado, Majoy Baron and Kim Dy providing added firepower in the absence of Savi Davison and national team mainstay Dell Palomata, PLDT appears locked in.
Still, Petro Gazz is no pushover. The Angels, looking to build on their bounce-back win, will rely on Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete and Joy Dacoron to lead the charge, as they continue to adjust without Alas Pilipinas stars Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips.
More fireworks are expected this Sunday as well, with Petro Gazz tangling with Farm Fresh at 4 p.m. and PLDT testing Choco Mucho’s resolve at 6:30 p.m.
