Unbeaten Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho collide
Games today 2 p.m. – Galeries Tower vs Cignal 4 p.m. – PLDT vs Petro Gazz 6 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Chery Tiggo
Chery Tiggo gets the chance to test its true mettle against a fancied team coming off a challenging win as the Crossovers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans clash in what promises to be a riveting battle in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig today.
Both teams, undefeated in two games, vie for the top spot in a match that not only decides the leader but also provides the winner a psychological edge and momentum in the competitive preliminaries of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Gametime is at 6 p.m. Fireworks are also expected in the 4 p.m. face-off between PLDT and Petro Gazz with the former also aiming for a third consecutive victory and a share of the lead and the latter looking to rebound from a tough five-set defeat to the Flying Titans last Tuesday.
Ushering in the explosive triple-bill is the Cignal-Galeries Tower match at 2 p.m. with the HD Spikers tipped to log their second straight victory against the Highrisers, who succumbed to the High Speed Hitters in three sets last Feb. 22.
Despite Chery Tiggo’s dominant performances against the league’s two new teams, its real worth will be tested against the formidable Flying Titans in a clash of firepower and defensive skills.
Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes places his faith in the team’s core, including Mylene Paat, sisters Eya and EJ Laure, Cess Robles, middles Cza Carandang, Pauline Gaston and Seth Rodriguez, Alina Bicar, setter Joyme Cagande, Buding Duremdes and Jen Nierva and the newly-acquired Ara Galang and Aby Maraño.
However, their main challenge lies in containing the prolific Sisi Rondina, the reigning league MVP, who scored 24 points in their previous match with the Angels.
Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin will also bank on Kat Tolentino, Isa Molde, Regine Arocha and Royse Tubino and middles Chery Nunag and Maddie Madayag with support from setters Deanna Wong and Mars Alba and defense specialist Bia General.