CEBU City – Volleyball fever hits a new high in Cebu City as local fans prepare to witness a blockbuster duel between Nxled and PLDT – two unbeaten squads on a collision course for Pool A supremacy and the first automatic quarterfinal berth in the PVL On Tour.
The volleyball-crazed Cebuanos, known for their deep passion for the sport, are in for a treat as the high-stakes showdown unfolds Saturday at the USJ-R Coliseum. With both teams carrying identical 3-0 slates, the matchup is not just about preserving a perfect record – it’s a battle for bragging rights, momentum – and the coveted quarters spot.
The Chameleons have been the breakout story of the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision, stunning perennial contenders Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho before capping their surge with a dominant straight-set victory over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last July 15.
Rookie sensation Lyann de Guzman has been instrumental in their dream run, delivering back-to-back scoring explosions against the Angels and Flying Titans. With veterans like Chiara Permentilla, EJ Cariño and Jovelyn Fernandez stepping up in support, the team has defied early expectations and morphed into a true contender.
But the High Speed Hitters are just as formidable, riding a wave of confidence after a pair of straight-set victories and a four-set win. Coach Rald Ricafort has his core clicking at the right time, with the seasoned tandem of Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes dominating at the net, and the comeback duo of Kim Dy and Jovie Prado adding veteran poise.
The emerging Kiesha Bedonia has also proven her mettle, making PLDT a tough team to crack from any angle.
Saturday’s showdown is more than just a volleyball game – it’s a grudge match between two title-hungry teams and a showcase of strategy, stamina and star power. With both benches stacked and coaches poised for tactical warfare, the outcome could come down to the finest adjustments and the crowd’s energy – and Cebu is never short on that.
Long revered as a volleyball hotbed, Cebu has produced some of the sport’s most promising talents and recently established its own V-League to help cultivate the next generation of stars. The city’s love for volleyball is palpable, and hosting a match of this magnitude only fuels its growing reputation as a sporting hub in the south.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh remains in the quarterfinal mix with a 2-1 slate, setting up a must-win encounter against Nxled on Sunday. Riding high after back-to-back wins over the Flying Titans and the Angels, the Foxies are aiming for a third straight triumph that could see them tie for second – should the High Speed Hitters or the Chameleons falter.
Italian coach Alessandro Lodi will be banking on the continued rise of key players Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray, Jolina dela Cruz and the steady setting of rookie Alohi Robins-Hardy. The presence of veteran leader Rachel Ann Daquis adds stability to the mix, as Farm Fresh eyes an outright spot in the Last 8.
On the other side, winless Galeries Tower looks to finally break through, with the talented trio of Jewel Encarnacion, Ysa Jimenez and France Ronquillo leading the charge. Rookie Jean Asis brings energy and hustle, while seasoned skipper Roselle Baliton offers guidance as they aim to end their skid and play spoiler to Farm Fresh’s run.
But all eyes will first be on the main event – Nxled vs. PLDT – a collision of youthful fire and veteran grit in a volleyball-mad city that’s ready to roar.
