CHOCO Mucho expects to soar to another win against a side seeking to snap a three-game skid even as Cignal likewise looks to press on its own drive in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference elims at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.
The Flying Titans have not dropped a single set since bowing to the Creamline Cool Smashers in four in the season-ending conference’s inaugurals last Oct. 15, driving past the Farm Fresh Foxies, the HD Spikers and the Galeries Tower Highrisers to gain solo fifth in the league record 12-team field.
Against the Nxled Chameleons in the 2 p.m. opener of another triple-bill, the Flying Titans do brace for a tough challenge but remain upbeat of their chances to sustain their run and inch closer to the unbeaten Cool Smashers (4-0).
After marking its league debut with a straight-set romp over fellow rookie team Gerflor, Nxled lost to three of the league’s top teams although unlike in its shutout losses to F2 Logistics and Petro Gazz, the Chameleons shocked the PLDT High Speed Hitters in the opening set but struggled in the next three to fall to ninth with a 1-3 (win-loss) mark.
With a loaded crew led by Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, Bea de Leon, Regine Arocha, Caitlyn Viray and setter Deanna Wong, coach Dante Alinsunurin could opt for new combinations and give his bench some minutes to prepare them for the tougher grind ahead.
Counterpart Takayuki Minowa, meanwhile, hopes to build on his wards’ inspiring set win over PLDT and their hunger for recognition, pinning his hopes on Lycha Ebon, Chiara Permentilla, Krich Macaslang, Judith Abil, Camille Victoria, Jaja Maraguinot and playmaker Kamille Cal.
Like Choco Mucho, Cignal also looks to get past winless Galeries in their 6 p.m. clash with the HD Spikers going for a third straight win for a 4-2 overall slate behind Ces Molina, Riri Meneses, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Roselyn Doria and Vanie Gandler.
But with four straight losses, there is no way to go for the Highrisers but up with coach Lerma Giron hopeful her mix of veterans and young players, led by Rap Aguilar, Dimdim Pacres, Ysa Jimenez, Grazielle Bombita, Audrey Paran, Norielle Ipac and Joy Doromal, will step up and this time, deliver the goods.
Meanwhile, F2 Logistics seeks to erase the stigma of its straight-set loss to Petro Gazz last Thursday as the Cargo Movers go for their third win in five games against the Farm Fresh Foxies at 4 p.m.
Like the Highrisers, the Foxies are also looking to end a skid that has stretched to six games in the season-ending conference of the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Mikasa, BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, SMART, Rebisco, Milcu, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar.
But unlike the former, the latter has won a set in each of its last three loses with the Jerry Yee-mentored squad hoping to finally put it all together and pounce on the Cargo Movers’ setback the last time out.
Games can be streamed on Pilipinas Live and PVL.ph and are telecast on One Sports, One Sports+, and SMART Livestream app.
Games Tuesday
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. – Nxled vs Choco Mucho
4 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs F2 Logistics
6 p.m. – Galeries vs Cignal