STREAKING PLDT is poised to extend its run against winless Strong Group today (Tuesday), aiming not only to catch Choco Mucho at the helm but also to build further momentum heading to the final stretch of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
On a four-game roll, the High Speed Hitters set out for their 6 p.m. match with the Athletics the heavy favorites, given their talent-laden roster and experience. But with its upcoming matches against formidable teams such as Chery Tiggo, Cignal and Creamline, PLDT’s path to the semifinals is lined with pivotal encounters.
The standings are tightly packed with Choco Mucho seizing the solo lead with a 7-1 and PLDT just behind with a 6-1 mark. Creamline and Petro Gazz are tied for third at 6-2, and Chery Tiggo and Cignal are just behind with similar 5-2 slates, creating a fierce battle for the semifinal spots in the league’s concluding three weeks.
Despite disparity in their rankings, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort is expected to approach the match against Strong Group with a full-strength lineup, possibly trying with new player combinations to bolster the team’s depth as they prepare for the decisive matches ahead.
PLDT faces Chery Tiggo on April 16, mixes it up with Cignal on April 20 before colliding with Creamline on April 25.
Securing a sweep is paramount for PLDT and its fellow contenders as the PVL points system will most likely come into play to break any ties for the last semis berth with six teams currently in a tight battle for the coveted seats.
Choco Mucho also leads the point tally with 21 total points followed by Petro Gazz with 19, Creamline with 18, PLDT with 17, Cignal with 16 and Chery Tiggo with 14, underscoring the importance of every match remaining in the elims of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
PLDT will likely rely on key players like Savi Davison, Erika Santos, Majoy Baron, Fiola Ceballos and Dell Palomata to overpower Strong Group, which has yet to nail the elusive win despite the efforts of Dolly Verzosa, Souzan Raslan, Andrea Rebleza, Joy Onofre and Sheeka Espinosa.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh and Nxled, toting identical 2-5 cards, tangle in the 4 p.m. opener with both sides eager for a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Games are aired live on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel – RPTV.
Games Tuesday
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs Nxled
6 p.m. – PLDT vs Strong Group