Heavyweights collide

Games today:

(Smart Araneta Coliseum)

1:30 p.m. — Cignal vs Farm Fresh

4 p.m. — Capital1 vs Nxled

6:30 p.m. — PLDT vs Choco Mucho

It’s going to be an ultimate test of character as PLDT and Choco Mucho collide in a marquee encounter in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Touted as a duel of league powerhouses, the showdown set at 6:30 p.m. is expected to rival — or even eclipse — the intensity and quality of play of last Tuesday’s Creamline-Petro Gazz classic.

The High Speed Hitters are coming off a dominant sweep of Capital1 Solar Spikers in a rare Monday game, launching their campaign for a third consecutive PVL championship. But beyond the title chase, PLDT is also looking to stretch its incredible win streak to 15 matches, a run dating back to their PVL On Tour and Invitational title victories.

Despite the emphatic win, head coach Rald Ricafort emphasized that the team is still a work in progress.

“We still need to fix a lot of things,” said Ricafort, referring to the High Speed Hitters, especially their Russian import Anastasiia Bavykina, who is still trying to figure things out.

“We’re still aligning as a team. She’s filling up everything that she lacks. Hopefully, with our chemistry, we’ll be able to gel very soon.”

Cohesion will indeed be key for PLDT as it duels a confident Choco Mucho side that proved its mettle in a four-set stunner over Cignal despite playing without American import Anyse Smith, who is still awaiting her special work permit.

Led by Maddie Madayag and Isa Molde, the Flying Titans leaned on their local core to pull off the win, showing depth and resilience.

Choco Mucho mentor Dante Alinsunurin praised his team’s effort and unity.

“Our mindset is that we need to help each other in overcoming the challenges both on offense and defense,” said Alinsunurin, reflecting on their first victory in the import-laced conference.

He also drew strong performances from Des Cheng, Kat Tolentino, Cherry Nunag and Royse Tubino — all of whom are expected to play key roles again when they battle the dangerous High Speed Hitters.

PLDT, however, is not lacking in firepower either. Alongside Bavykina, the High Speed Hitters have a formidable cast that includes Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Dell Palomata and Canadian ace Savi Davison. Jessey de Leon and Jovie Prado add depth, while top rookie Alleiah Malaluan is also expected to see action.

Earlier in the day, Farm Fresh looks to keep pace with the leaders when it meets a struggling Cignal side at 1:30 p.m. The Foxies are riding high after a four-set win over Nxled, sparked by a spectacular 38-point eruption from import Eli Rousseaux — setting the early bar for foreign reinforcements.

With support from Trisha Tubu, Ces Molina, Rizza Cruz, Lorene Toring and Filipino-American setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, Rousseaux will once again be the focal point against a Cignal team still reeling from its loss to a Choco Mucho squad without an import.

Eva Chantava managed just 10 points in that game, with Vanessa Gandler stepping up with 15. But more will be needed from Chantava and the rest of the Super Spikers, including Erika Santos, Erin Pangilinan, Jackie Acuña, Heather Guino-o and Gel Cayuna — to stop the surging Foxies.

Meanwhile, at 4 p.m., Nxled and Capital1 tangle in a battle of opening-game losers, both looking to gain traction in their campaigns in the year-ending conference organized by Sports Vision and backed by ICTSI, Milcu, Mikasa and Fabriano Appliances.