The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference concludes its preliminary round today (Saturday) in Passi City, where two pivotal matches could shape the knockout phase. With various qualification scenarios in play, every set and point will be crucial in determining final seedings.
At 4 p.m. at the City of Passi Arena, the PLDT High Speed Hitters (8-3) aim to cement their No. 4 spot against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (4-6), a team eager to disrupt the standings despite their lower ranking.
Meanwhile, the last prelims match between the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (7-3) and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-5) is a virtual toss-up, with the outcome possibly reshuffling mid-tier playoff pairings.
PLDT enters the match riding high after a stunning five-set victory over defending champions Creamline, snapping the Cool Smashers’ 19-game win streak. Savi Davison, fresh off a career-best 34-point performance, along with Majoy Baron, Fiolaa Ceballos, Mika Reyes, and Erika Santos, is expected to spearhead another strong outing.
“Siguro ‘yung tulong nitong (panalo), meron na kaming baon na nakapag-perform kami sa big games. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung pinakaimportante, saka ‘yung tiwala at bilib na kaya makipagsabayan talaga,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort.
For ZUS Coffee, an upset win would not alter their No. 9 ranking but could serve as a morale boost heading into the qualifiers. Coach Jerry Yee will rely on Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit, and standout rookie Thea Gagate to challenge the more experienced PLDT squad.
The Choco Mucho-Chery Tiggo battle remains the most unpredictable, with its result potentially creating a ripple effect across the standings. A Flying Titans victory would likely lock them into the No. 5 spot, setting up a knockout-stage duel with No. 6 Chery Tiggo. However, a Crossovers win could push them to No. 6, altering the playoff matchups entirely.
Choco Mucho will look to Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz, and Royse Tubino to execute their aggressive attack, while Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles, and Aby Maraña will be key for Chery Tiggo, who hope their extended rest period translates into fresh legs on game day.
“Syempre sobrang kailangan namin ‘yung panalo na ‘yun para sa placing at para sa magiging mindset namin. Magiging motivation namin para makadating ng playoffs na may kumpiyansa kami,” said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
If PLDT and Choco Mucho win, the bracket will likely feature No. 4 PLDT vs. No. 7 Chery Tiggo and No. 5 Choco Mucho vs. No. 6 ZUS Coffee. If PLDT and Chery Tiggo win, Chery Tiggo secures No. 6 and faces No. 7 in the knockout round. Should both Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee win, the seedings could shift even further, leading to a completely different playoff bracket.
One thing is certain—all teams will leave it all on the court, not only for better positioning but also to gain momentum and confidence heading into the do-or-die qualifying round next Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, Creamline, Petro Gazz, and Cignal have locked in the top three seeds, setting up their respective knockout-stage matchups. The Cool Smashers will face No. 12 Nxled Chameleons, the Angels will battle No. 11 Capital1 Solar Spikers, and the HD Spikers will take on No. 10 Galeries Tower Highrisers.
The post PVL prelims end with high-stakes battles in Passi first appeared on Fastbreak.
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