Unbeaten Cignal, Choco Mucho clash

Cignal and Choco Mucho mix it up in a clash of firepower, defense, resolve and style in a pivotal match for a share of the lead with Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The 6 p.m. encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing duels in the prelims, akin to the epic clash between the Flying Titans and the Petro Gazz Angels last 27 February.

With both teams aiming for their fourth win four weeks into the season-opening conference organized by Sports Vision, the match becomes even more compelling. The extended rest period for both sides adds an element of surprise as coaches may introduce new tactics or plays to catch the opponent off guard.

Cignal, bolstered by seasoned players like Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses, Roselyn Doria, Chai Troncoso and Chin Basas, rising star Vanie Gandler and setter Gel Cayuna, has further strengthened its lineup with the addition of Jovelyn Fernandez and Dawn Catindig.

On the other hand, Choco Mucho, featuring reigning Most Valuable Player Sisi Rondina, the solid Kat Tolentino, along with Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag, Maddie Madayag and playmaker Deanna Wong, enhanced its roster with Royse Tubino, Mean Mendrez and Mars Alba.

The face-off is expected to deliver a high-intensity showdown between two early contenders, where execution, particularly down the stretch, will be a crucial factor.

The 4 p.m. match between Petro Gazz and Farm Fresh also generates a lot of interest.

The Angels, recovering from a tough five-set defeat to the Flying Titans, face a resurgent Farm Fresh squad coming off a surprising shutout victory over Chery Tiggo.

While the experience of the Angels might give them a slight advantage, the Foxies enter the game bristling with confidence, buoyed by their recent triumph.

Brooke Van Sickle has seamlessly integrated into the Petro Gazz system, firing 23 and 24 points in their last two games, as the Angels improved to 3-1. The likes of Jonah Sabete, Remy Palma, Aiza Pontillas, Kecelyn Galdones and Myla Pablo have also been delivering consistent performances for the two-time Reinforced Conference champions.

But Farm Fresh, led by the crisp-hitting Trisha Tubu and Chinnie Arroyo, Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano and Kate Santiago, aims to build on its recent success and secure a third win in five games.