RANGED against a rival already out of the semis race, expect F2 Logistics to start out strong, annex the all-important win and sidestep any complications that may arise from a reversal as it faces Foton at the close of the elims of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig Tuesday.
Gametime is at 12 noon with the Cargo Movers, tied with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Cignal HD Spikers for the Pool B lead at 3-1, eager to get going and clinch the first semis berth in their side of the two-group field in the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Choco and Cignal dispute the other berth at 4 p.m. while PLDT and Chery Tiggo clash at 6:30 p.m. for the second semis seat in Pool A topped by defending champion Creamline.
Gerflor and Akari usher in the quadruple bill in a duel of winless team in Pool A at 9:30 a.m.
Choco Mucho carved out a crucial five-set reversal over Petro Gazz late Saturday to force a three-way tie while virtually striking off the Angels from the race. Had the Angels won, they would’ve advanced outright and would’ve left the Cargo Movers and the HD Spikers to dispute the second berth.
But with the last Pool B result somewhat working to F2 Logistics’ favor, the Cargo Movers are in no mood to pass up the chance with coach Regine Diego expected to make full use of her deep bench to thwart any Foton threat or uprising.
Although F2 Logistics also yielded a heart-breaking five-set result to Petro Gazz the last time out, the Cargo Movers are brimming with confidence heading to their crucial duel with the Tornadoes with Diego enjoying a band of aces ready to step up at any given set.
They include veterans Kim Dy, Aby Maraño, Myla Pablo, Majoy Baron, Ara Galang, Shola Alvarez and setter Kim Fajardo, along with sophomore Ivy Lacsina and top rookies Jolina dela Cruz, Jovelyn Fernandez and playmaker Mars Alba.
Despite their 1-3 card, however, the Tornadoes are no pushovers with coach Brian Esquivel hoping to spring a surprise against their fancied rivals behind Shaya Adorado, Seth Rodriguez, Jasmine Nabor and ace guest player Mary Rhose Dapol, who exploded for 28 points in the team’s five-set rally past the Farm Fresh Foxies over the weekend.
Meanwhile, odds just about even between Choco Mucho and Cignal although the Dante Alinsunurin-coached Flying Titans boast of the explosive Sisi Rondina and a slew of aces in Kat Tolentino, Maddie Madayag, Bea de Leon, Caitlyn Viray, Cherry Nunag and Des Cheng.
“It’s the impact that Sisi brings and we’re thankful that she chose Choco Mucho,” said Alinsunurin of his prized catch, who sizzled with 29 points against the Angels. “We’re not in a hurry but we want to prove that Choco Mucho is slowly inching up with regard to skills and everything.”
But the HD Spikers are so seasoned and battle-scarred to be alarmed a bit with mentor Shaq delos Santos to rely on the likes of Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses, Roselyn Doria, Chin Basas and setter Gel Cayuna with rookie Vanie Gandler also tipped to provide added firepower to a team seeking to redeem itself from a sixth place finish in the All Filipino Conference of the league backed by BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, Mikasa, SMART, Rebisco, Kumu, Asics and SportRadar.
The Chery Tiggo-PLDT collision also promises to be tight and fierce with Crossovers coach Aaron Velez hoping to draw the best from Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, Ponggay Gaston and EJ Laure and from top rookies Imee Hernandez, Eya Laure, Princess Robles and playmaker Joyme Cagande.
But PLDT mentor Rald Ricafort said his wards are ready despite the absence of injured top hitter Jovie Prado, pinning his hopes on Me-an Mendrez, Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata, Honey Royse Tubino, Michelle Morente and Fiola Ceballos and defense specialist Kath Arado.
“Mabigat ang pagkawala ni Jovie (Prado) but Fiola (Ceballos) has provided not just (scoring) skills but more importantly the leadership inside the court,” said Ricafort of the Ilongga hitter, who took charge for the team against the Gerflor Defenders with 13 points.
Games are aired on PVL.ph, One Sports, and One Sports+ with live streaming on Smart Livestream, Cignal Play and Pilipinas Live.
Games (Tuesday)
9:30 a.m. – Gerflor vs Akari
12 noon – F2 Logistics vs Foton
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Cignal
6:30 a.m. – Chery Tiggo vs PLDT