Under the microscope: Cignal tests Eya-Sisi tandem; Jia set for PVL return

Opening-day winners Choco Mucho and Cignal clash for the solo lead in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference today at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

A slam-bang double-header awaits fans, starting with the crowd-drawing Flying Titans and Super Spikers duel at 4 p.m., serving as an appetizer for the much-awaited debuts of powerhouse squads Creamline and PLDT at 6:30 p.m.

But while the Cool Smashers, who are celebrating the return of prized setter Jia Morado-De Guzman, and the High Speed Hitters try to start their respective campaigns with a bang, attention will be on the Choco Mucho-Cignal showdown first as they look to ride the momentum of their sweeping victories last Saturday.

The Flying Titans welcomed the return of spark plug Sisi Rondina following a long hiatus due to her national beach volleyball team duties and the comeback debut of new acquisition Eya Laure with a straight-sets win over Akari.

The much-awaited reunion of the University of Santo Tomas products was as good as advertised after coming up with a combined 27 points to lead the Flying Titans to a 25-17, 25-23, 25-20, victory.

However, Choco Mucho braces for a tougher challenge from Cignal, which is also coming off a dominating 25-17, 25-14, 25-11, crushing of Galeries Tower.

“I was impressed that they exceeded my expectations in our first game. I just hope we can sustain that heading into our next games,” Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin said.

On the other hand, the Super Spikers are keen on piling up as many wins as early as possible for a better chance at landing a semifinals seat.

“It’s important to invest in as many wins as possible. I think, it would be better if we could sweep the eliminations. If we can do that, the better, since a sweep means a sure semifinals seat,” Cignal mentor Shaq Delos Santos said.

“Just one game at a time, remain healthy, and prepare well,” added Delos Santos, who will again bank on Tin Tiamzon, Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos on offense.

Meanwhile, De Guzman makes her much-anticipated return in the league after a three-year overseas stint.

The presence of the eight-time PVL Best Setter, as well as the return of Bernadeth Pons, who teamed up with Rondina to cop a historic beach volleyball gold medal in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, has given the Cool Smashers faithful hope for a better showing this year after a dismal 2015.

Creamline lost all of its titles last year after completing a grand slam in 2024.

“So very excited to see how much PVL has changed and I would really love to embrace the challenge. We’re all excited to play,” De Guzman said.

“With a new Creamline team coming together, I’m also trying to find my way with the team. Hopefully, I can bring in my international experience here with Creamline, but at the same time, whatever the team needs from me, I will be ready to support and do my best to deliver,” she added.

The Cool Smashers will also welcome new libero Jen Nierva, who is expected to reinforce the squad’s floor defense following her transfer from disbanded Chery Tiggo.

PLDT, on the other hand, is parading an almost intact core that brought the franchise a back-to-back title last year with the conquest of the inaugural pre-season On Tour and Invitational.

The High Speed Hitters took in Seth Rodriguez from Chey Tiggo to fill the spot left by veteran middle blocker Del Palomata, who signed with the Medan Falcons in the Indonesian Proliga.

Savi Davison, Kim Kianna Dy, Alleiah Malaluan, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, libero Kath Arado and playmaker Kim Fajardo banner a PLDT side hungry for more success.