PLDT, Choco Mucho target lead share

VOLLEY

PLDT and Choco Mucho, coming off a thrilling five-set duel last Tuesday, resume their semifinal campaign against rivals raring to boost their own title drives in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The High Speed Hitters squandered a 2-0 set advantage but managed to recover and clinch a pulsating win in the decider, clipping the Flying Titans, 25-20, 25-12, 23-25, 11-25, 15-13, putting to a screeching halt Choco Mucho's four-game run and created a deadlock at the top of the standings.

Despite Creamline's recent resurgence with a convincing victory over Capital1 last Tuesday, re-claiming the solo lead at 5-1 after a previous loss to Chery Tiggo, the semis race remains tightly-contested with six squads closely packed together and two others vying to enter into contention via the backdoor.

They include Farm Fresh and Akari, both with 2-3 records, which seek to pull off surprises against PLDT and Choco Mucho at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. This weekend's triple-bill marks the second time this conference that matches are held outside the metropolis.

PLDT and Choco Mucho may hold an advantage over Farm Fresh and Akari on paper and in experience, but reversals cannot be discounted given the competitive nature of the league organized.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort is likely to capitalize on his team's strengths with players like Savi Davison, Erika Santos, Kim Fajardo, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata, Fiola Ceballos and rookie Kiesha Bedonia determined to build on their momentum from their win over the Flying Titans.

But Farm Fresh has demonstrated its ability to compete with the top teams, upending Chery Tiggo last weekend. Despite a tough loss to the Petro Gazz Angels, Yee remains upbeat in his wards' skill and resolve.

Poised to lead their charge are Trisha Tubu, Chinnie Arroyo, Aprylle Tagsip, Alyssa Bertolano and Ypril Tapia with support from Rizza Cruz, Caitlin Viray, Kate Santiago and skipper Louie Romero.

Choco Mucho, meanwhile, faces a tough test against Akari, which is coming off a 3-0 rout of sister team Nxled last weekend.

However, coach Raffy Mosuela's team, led by Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, Ced Domingo, Dindin Manabat and Faith Nisperos, will need to adjust accordingly to at least contain the Flying Titans' prolific duo of Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino.

Kicking off the action is the clash between Galeries Tower and Strong Group at 2 p.m. with the Highrisers shooting for their second win in six games against the winless Athletics.