Daily TribuneThe Highrisers meteoric rise has become one of the most compelling storylines heading into the quarterfinals.
All eyes will be on Galeries Tower as it aims to slay another giant in Akari in Game 1 of the best-of-three quarterfinal series of the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs Akari
6:30 p.m. — PLDT vs Choco Mucho
Electrifying battles get underway as four teams march to the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The amazing Galeries Tower aims to continue its Cinderella run when it battles Akari at 4 p.m. while PLDT and Choco Mucho collide in the 6:30 main battle of the quarterfinals that will introduce a new best-of-three format.
The Highrisers meteoric rise has become one of the most compelling storylines heading into the quarterfinals. Despite lacking legitimate superstars, the hard-fighting Highrisers pulled off a stunning upset of Cignal to secure their spot in the Last Eight and defy massive odds and great expectations.
Galeries Tower’s breakthrough victory proves it is more than just a dark horse, but a solid team to watch that is hungry enough to challenge powerhouse squads like Creamline and Petro Gazz a serious run for their money.
Still, Galeries Tower coach Lerma Giron reminded her wards that the battle is far from over.
“We still can’t afford to be complacent. We wanted this, right? We’re going up against the top seven? They know that, and we have to prove ourselves,” Giron said.
“We fought to reach this stage, and we know where we’re headed in the next level — it’s really very challenging.”
On the other hand, the Chargers, coming off a grueling five-set victory over Farm Fresh, enter as slight favorites. With Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina, and Faith Nisperos spearheading their attack, the red-hot Chargers will be looking to impose their dominance early to dictate the tempo and set the tone for an easy conquest.
But Galeries Tower has already shown its ability to overcome the odds with the core of unheralded players like Jewel Encarnacion, Ysa Jimenez and Julia Coronel eager to extend its dream run.
Meanwhile, the High Speed Hitters and the Flying Titans collide in what promises to be an intense, high-stakes battle. Both teams feature explosive players capable of turning the tide in an instant, making this series anything but predictable.
PLDT main gunner Savi Davison, who will enter the contest fresh from a career-high 34-point performance, is tipped to be a marked woman as she had proven that she can carry the scoring load when needed.
But she won’t be alone as Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes are all poised to step up in crucial moments to give the High Speed Hitters the early lead in this race-to-two series.
“These are just reminders for us that we need this,” High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort said.
“Our losses against Choco Mucho in the preliminaries gave us valuable lessons, which is why we are here now, ready to fight.”
Choco Mucho, however, is more than ready for the challenge. With Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Royse Tubino and Cherry Nunag anchoring their lineup, the Flying Titans have the firepower to go toe-to-toe with PLDT.
In a best-of-three series, securing the opening win is often the key to controlling momentum. With so much at stake, expect nothing less than an all-out war on the court.
