Games today

(Candon City Arena, Ilocos Sur)

4 p.m.  — Galeries vs PLDT

6:30 p.m. — ZUS Coffee vs Choco Mucho

Candon City in Ilocos Sur comes alive once more as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) stages another stop in the country’s tobacco capital featuring two explosive matches guaranteed to satisfy fans’ craving for topnotch volley action.

Headlining the PVL Reinforced Conference road series are the tournament’s leading squads, each looking to formalize their quarterfinal stints against rivals desperate to stay in contention.

In the 6:30 p.m. main game at the Candon City Arena, the surging ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles gun for their sixth straight victory and a formal entry into the Last 8 as they take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Coming off a sweep of the first phase of the two-part prelims, highlighted by a stirring come-from-behind win over the Akari Chargers last Tuesday, the Thunderbelles expect not only a strong challenge from the Flying Titans but also the energy of a passionate local crowd.

Coach Jerry Yee’s squad has thrived on focus, poise and a killer instinct throughout their campaign in the year-ending tournament.

Import Anna DeBeer continues to power the team with her blend of offense, leadership and composure, inspiring a youthful roster now thrust into the PVL spotlight.

Backed by the likes of AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Mycah Go, setter Cloane Mondonedo and libero Alyssa Eroa, along with veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Ceballos, the Thunderbelles are determined to sustain their winning run and raise their level even higher.

But the Flying Titans are entering the matchup with renewed urgency after dropping their last two outings, including a tough straight-sets loss to the resurgent Capital1 Solar Spikers.

With import Marlee Smith leading the charge, Choco Mucho has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to close out sets — something they must fix to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.

Supported by a seasoned local core featuring Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Cherry Nunag, Des Cheng and Royse Tubino, the Titans are eyeing a strong rebound.

At 2-3, Choco Mucho sits at 10th and faces a must-sweep scenario in their remaining three matches to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth. And there’s no better stage to reignite their campaign than against an undefeated powerhouse.

Earlier at 4 p.m., the PLDT High Speed Hittersand Galeries Tower Highrisers square off in another exciting matchup.

PLDT, currently holding a 4-1 record and chasing a rare season sweep of all three conference titles, is virtually assured of a quarterfinal spot. But with Galeries Tower still winless at 0-5, the Highrisers are eager to finally break through — or at least play spoiler.