PRE-CHRISTMAS TREAT: Cignal set to walk tightrope against Petro Gazz
They are expected to display the same ferocity to measure up against the Angels led by their three-headed monster in reigning conference Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete.
Ces Molina’s leadership will be tested against a formidable Chery Tiggo side in the last playdate of the PVL All-Filipino Conference for the year.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs Chery Tiggo
6:30 p.m. — Cignal vs Petro Gazz
The last playdate of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference for the year promises to be an explosive one as Cignal stakes its unstained card against surging Petro Gazz today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Serving as a fitting closing show to a highly successful 2024 staging, the two powerhouse clubs cross paths in the 6:30 p.m. main feature following the 4 p.m. tussle between Chery Tiggo and Galeries Tower.
All eyes will be on the HD Spikers-Angels contest with both squads looking to end the year right and build momentum heading into the resumption of action in January.
Cignal is on a hot four-game streak and sits atop the heap tied with five-peat-seeking Creamline.
“It’s important for us to hold on to the momentum that got us through our first four games. It won’t be easy, of course, especially since all teams have stepped up their game,” HD Spikers head coach Shaq delos Santos said.
“I think we should always keep in mind that we should not get too overwhelmed by our four wins. Besides this is just the eliminations. It’s a good start for us, hopefully, we’ll sustain the momentum,” Delos Santos added.
Cignal will enter the marquee match well-rested since taking down Nxled in an emphatic sweep, 25-18, 25-22, 25-23, last week in Cebu.
Usual suspects Ces Molina, Vanie Gandler, Rose Doria and Riri Meneses delivered the goods last game.
They are expected to display the same ferocity to measure up against the Angels led by their three-headed monster in reigning conference Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete.
“Petro Gazz is a matured team. We have to keep an eye on their key players. But we cannot focus on them alone, but on the whole Petro Gazz team,” Delos Santos said.
The Angels are just half a game behind the HD Spikers and Cool Smashers with a 4-1 win-loss record.
Following a straight sets loss to Creamline last month, Petro Gazz went on a tear, sweeping Farm Fresh and Akari before bringing down PLDT, 12-25, 25-14, 25-22, 25-20, last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Highrisers gun to ignite a winning streak after arresting a four-game skid in a 26-24, 25-14, 25-23, clobbering of Capital1.
“We’ve prepared well as team against Chery Tiggo,” Galeries Tower head coach Lerma Giron said.
With third overall pick setter Julia Coronel fitting well with the club’s system, the Highrisers pose a big threat even for the established Crossovers. The Alas Pilipinas member’s playmaking and offensive prowess makes her an important weapon for Galeries Tower alongside hitters Jewel Encarnacion, Ysa Jimenez and France Ronquillo.
Chery Tiggo tries to get back on the winning track after suffering a 25-22, 24-26, 18-25, 20-25, setback against Akari that pulled the team down to a 3-2 card tied with PLDT.
Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Pauline Gasto and Aby Marano will lead the Crossovers’ charge back into the win column.
