This weekend’s matchups promise high-intensity action, with both the Solar Spikers and Crossovers fueled by the Hightowers’ unexpected four-set victory over the HD Spikers last Thursday. Not only did the No. 10-seeded Galeries Tower secure a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals, but their win also sent a strong message to lower-ranked teams that an upset is always possible.
Now, No. 11 Capital1 and No. 8 Chery Tiggo are determined to follow suit, challenging the second-seeded Petro Gazz and fifth-seeded Choco Mucho, respectively.
Capital1, however, faces a formidable challenge against Petro Gazz, a team that dominated the preliminaries with nine straight wins, including three consecutive shutouts to close their campaign in the centerpiece tournament of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons.
The Solar Spikers will need standout performances from Leila Cruz, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Shola Alvarez, Roma Mae Doromal, Norielle Ipac, Heather Guino-o, Patty Orendain, and Sydney Niegos to stand a chance against the powerhouse Angels.
On the other hand, Petro Gazz boasts a well-rounded attack led by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma and Nicole Tiamzon. With coach Koji Tsuzurabara at the helm, the Angels have a clear edge heading into their 4 p.m. showdown.
Meanwhile, the 6:30 p.m. match between Chery Tiggo and Choco Mucho is shaping up to be a thrilling contest. Despite their roster challenges, the Crossovers have the weapons to push the Flying Titans to the limit.
Coach Norman Miguel will rely on Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Julia Samonte, Mary Rhose Dapol, Seth Rodriquez, Cza Carandang, Pauline Gaston and Shaya Adorador to deliver clutch performances against a talent-stacked Choco Mucho squad led by the explosive Sisi Rondina.
Isa Molde has also been a consistent force, while veterans Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz, Royse Tubino, Cherry Nunag, Lorraine Pecana and Mars Alba are all capable of stepping up when needed.
The winners of today’s matches will join Creamline and Galeries Tower in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, the final day of qualifiers on Tuesday will see No. 6 Farm Fresh take on No. 7 Akari, while fourth-seeded PLDT faces ninth-ranked ZUS Coffee.
Teams that fall short today will still have a shot at advancing via the play-in tournament. Group 1 will feature teams ranked 7th, 10th and 11th, while Group 2 consists of teams ranked 8th, 9th and 12th. Both groups will compete in a single round-robin, with the top teams securing the last two quarterfinal spots.
With underdogs proving their mettle, expect an action-packed weekend as Capital1 and Chery Tiggo attempt to shake up the standings and keep their title hopes alive in the tournament supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.
Games are telecast live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.
