Games today:
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
3 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Farm Fresh
5 p.m. — F2 Logistics vs Akari
7 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs Galeries Tower
Powerhouse Petro Gazz welcomes expansion team Galeries Tower as four other clubs make their debut in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Cohesion and chemistry forged through years of experience will be the biggest edge of the star-studded Angels when they meet the Highrisers in the main game of the triple-bill playdate at 7 p.m.
But Galeries Tower is no pushover.
The Highrisers may be one of the two newcomers in the 12-club field but the Lerma Giron-mentored squad is composed of veteran players all raring to strut their stuff.
Dimdim Pacres, the 2017 Reinforced Conference Best Opposite Spiker, is making her first appearance in the pro ranks for Galeries Tower backed by a seasoned crew led by skipper Fhen Emnas, Graze Bombita, Rapril Aguilar, Anne Esguerra, Noriell Ipac, Roma Joy Doromal and Cherilyn Sindayen.
“We may be the youngest team, a baby team. But this baby team will definitely fight. We’re not just here to participate, we’re here to win, and give our opponents a good fight,” Giron said.
However, pulling off an upset of Petro Gazz is easier said than done.
The runners-up of the first serving of the All-Filipino Conference are determined for another crack at the crown despite some changes it had during the break.
Timmy Sto. Tomas will make his debut as Petro Gazz head coach taking over the reins of now volleyball operations head Oliver Almadro.
The Angels tapped Babylove Barbon, Ranya Musa, Matet Espina and Ivy Perez as additional weapons in their arsenal that boasts of stars in Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Grethcel Soltones, Remy Palma, Jonah Sabete and Djanel Cheng.
Meanwhile, F2 Logistics battles a beefed-up Akari side at 5 p.m. following the 3 p.m. encounter between Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh.
The first-time AFC bronze medalists Cargo Movers acquired the services of Ethan Arce and Joy Dacoron but are still uncertain of having top opposite spiker Kim Kianna Dy back in competitive form sustaining a knee injury she sustained in the Invitational Conference.
Dy’s status remains day-to-day following an undisclosed knee operation but F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego is confident her other players led by Myla Pablo, Aby Marano, Ivy Lacsina, Majoy Baron and Ara Galang will step up.
“Our chemistry is better but again we’re still not at full force. Hopefully, throughout the games we’ll improve and learn,” Diego said.
“Of course, the goal is to win the championship but we have to go through a lot of games. One game at a time. We’re gonna do out best so let’s see.”
The Chargers, on the other hand, are parading a young roster after recruiting De La Salle University standouts middle blocker Fifi Sharma and libero Justine Jazareno.
Akari also signed a veteran middle in Roselle Baliton to join mainstays Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Faith Nisperos, Janine Marciano, setter Michelle Cobb, Bang Pineda, Erika Raagas and Eli Soyud.
The Crossovers, meanwhile, are looking for redemption after a disappointing run in the previous conference despite having a bevy of top college recruits.
Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Ces Robles, Joyme Cagande and Jen Nierva are back to redeem themselves while veterans Shaya Adorador and Jasmine Nabor make their return to Chery Tiggo following the disbandment of its sister team Foton.
But former Most Valuable Player Mylene Paat’s participation remains in doubt due to an undisclosed injury.
The Foxies, who went winless in their maiden run in the Invitational Conference, are out to capture the elusive victory behind debuting team captain and prized setter Louie Romero, Trisha Tubu, Kate Santiago, Justin Dorog, Alyssa Bertolano and libero Cae Lazo.
