Games today:
(City of Passi Arena)
4 p.m. — ZUS Coffee vs PLDT
6 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Choco Mucho
PLDT aims to solidify its grip on the No. 4 seed when it battles ZUS Coffee in the final day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All- Filipino Conference preliminary round on Saturday at the City of Passi Arena in Iloilo City.
The High Speed Hitters enter the crucial matchup at 4 p.m. after a stunning five- set victory over defending champion Creamline to snap the Cool Smashers’ 19-game win streak.
With momentum on their side, PLDT will rely on Savi Davison, who is coming off a career-high 34-point explosion, along with Majoy Baron, Fiola Ceballos, Mika Reyes, and Erika Santos to deliver another dominant performance.
“Maybe this win helps us by giving us the confidence that we can perform in big games. That’s really the most important thing, along with the trust and belief that we can compete at the highest level,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
On the other hand, while the No. 9 seed Thunderbelles have no chance of improving their standing, a strong finish could serve as a boost heading into the qualifiers.
Coach Jerry Yee will bank on Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit, and standout rookie Thea Gagate to challenge the more experienced PLDT squad.
The 6:30 p.m. clash between Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo carries significant playoff implications.
The Flying Titans victory would likely secure them the No. 5 seed, setting up a knockout-stage showdown against No. 6 Crossovers.
However, if Chery Tiggo prevails, the playoff picture could dramatically shift. A win for the Crossovers could elevate them to No. 6, reshuffling the postseason matchups.
The Flying Titans will rely on Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz and Royse Tubino to execute their aggressive attacking game.
On the other hand, Chery Tiggo will turn to Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles, and Aby Maraña, who are aiming to capitalize on their extended rest to come in fresh and ready.
The playoff bracket remains fluid depending on Saturday’s results. If the High Speed Hitters and the Flying Titans emerge victorious, the likely matchups would be No. 4 PLDT vs. No. 7 Chery Tiggo and No. 5 Choco Mucho vs. No. 6 ZUS Coffee.
If the High Speed Hitters and the Crossovers win, the Chery Tiggo could slide into the No. 6 spot, adjusting the knockout pairings accordingly.
Should both the Crossovers and the Thunderbelles pull off upsets, the standings would shift even further, potentially creating a completely different knockout bracket.
One thing is certain, though.
Teams will go all out not just for better positioning but also to build momentum and confidence heading into the do-or-die quarterfinals next Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.