Three teams riding the momentum of commanding victories are set to continue their pursuit of quarterfinal berths in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference. But while PLDT gears up to face the winless yet unpredictable ZUS Coffee, Chery Tiggo and Creamline brace for tough matches against Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz, respectively.
As the second preliminary round of this import-laced tournament resumes today (Tuesday) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig, the race to secure spots in the knockout Last 8 phase heats up. The Crossovers, the Cool Smashers and the High Speed Hitters, all eager to maintain their winning streaks, are on a mission to clinch pivotal victories.
However, with their opponents desperate for a win, surprises are bound to unfold in what promises to be another thrilling day of competition in this mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
With identical 4-1 records from the first round of pool preliminaries, Chery Tiggo, Creamline and PLDT aim to secure another win to join early quarterfinalists – the unbeaten Akari Chargers (6-0) and the Cignal HD Spikers (5-1).
In the 1 p.m. opener, the Crossovers face off against the Flying Titans, who are determined to turn around a disappointing campaign that has left them with just one win against four losses.
With the absence of league star Sisi Rondina, who is still with Alas Pilipinas, Choco Mucho has struggled, with coach Dante Alinsunurin running out of options against the league’s top contenders.
Import Zoi Faki’s underwhelming three-point performance in a brief two-set appearance during their recent loss to the Angels exemplifies the team’s struggles. Although Dindin Manabat has added firepower since joining during the season break, the rest of the squad must step up to keep their hopes alive for a last-minute push to the quarterfinals.
Despite key players being unavailable – such as those still with Alas and EJ Laure due to injury – Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes has benefited from strong performances by Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorador, Aby Maraño, Seth Rodriguez and Mary Rhose Dapol, with import Kath Bell consistently delivering the scoring and intangibles necessary to keep the team winning.
The 3 p.m. match sees the Cool Smashers facing a revitalized Petro Gazz team. Although playing without injured stars Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza, the Cool Smashers have showcased their depth. Led by import Erica Staunton, along with Michele Gumabao, Bernadeth Pons, Bea de Leon, Pangs Panaga, Risa Sato and setter Kyle Negrito, the team has continued to perform at a high level.
However, Petro Gazz’s recent win, which improved its record to 2-3, will likely fuel their determination. Wilma Salas and Brooke van Sickle are eager to build on their combined 35-point output from their last match, while former MVP Myla Pablo, having regained her form, is ready to contribute after an 11-point performance in her previous full-game appearance.
To overcome the Cool Smashers, however, the Angels will need consistent contributions from Nicole Tiamzon, Jonah Sabete, Aiza Pontillas, Ethan Arce and Chie Saet.
In the final match at 5 p.m., the High Speed Hitters must avoid complacency against the winless Thunderbelles, led by Asaka Tamaru, Dolly Verzosa, Ypril Tapia, Michelle Gamit and Sharya Ancheta.
Coach Rald Ricafort remains confident that his core players, including import Elena Samoilenko and locals Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Kim Fajardo, Shiela Kiseo, and Kiesha Bedonia, will deliver as expected.
Games today (Tuesday)
1 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Choco Mucho
3 p.m. – Creamline vs Petro Gazz
5 p.m. – PLDT vs ZUS Coffee
