LOCKED AND LOADED: Akari battles Choco Mucho in key matchup
‘Resting is a big thing for us. Being able to see and do the things we haven’t done yet or still want to do when it comes to crucial games, and of course, focusing more on skills — on what else can be improved.’
Fifi Sharma will be fully-charged when Akari battles Choco Mucho in a key matchup Saturday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. — Nxled vs Galeries
6:30 p.m. — Akari vs Choco Mucho
Akari and Choco Mucho, teams that are coming off solid showings, collide on Saturday as the crucial playoff positioning starts to heat up in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Armed with a 5-4 win-loss record, the Chargers shoot for their third straight victory in the 6:30 p.m. showdown after posting wins over Capital1 and Nxled behind the stellar performances of Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud and Faith Nisperos.
Providing solid defense is middle blocker Fifi Sharma while libero Justine Jazareno will take care of the solid floor defense and Kamille Cal orchestrating the offense.
But the Flying Titans pose serious threats to the Chargers’ charge in the marquee matchup as they are on a roll with three consecutive wins and determined to keep their winning ways intact.
Beating Akari would improve their slate to 6-3, which is good enough for third place in the leaderboard alongside idle sister squads Cignal and PLDT.
Leading the way for Choco Mucho is the explosive Sisi Rondina but also eager to make their marks is a potent cast composed of Dindin Manabat, Isa Molde, Royse Tubino and Cherry Nunag, all bringing a mix of power and versatility.
The team is also entering the floor well-rested and fully-charged since it has been 15 days since their last outing.
“Resting is a big thing for us. Being able to see and do the things we haven’t done yet or still want to do when it comes to crucial games, and of course, focusing more on skills — on what else can be improved,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Last time it played, Choco Mucho scored a four-set win over PLDT.
Aside from Rondina and company, setter Deanna Wong’s quick ball distribution will be a factor in keeping Choco Mucho’s offense fluid.
In the curtain raiser at 4 p.m., Nxled and Galeries Tower square off in a battle for pride and redemption.
Both teams are eager to break free from their respective slumps and finish strong as they head into the play-in tournament.