Petro Gazz risks its undefeated record in pursuit of another lead share, meeting its most challenging test thus far against a team on a rebound from an opening game slip as the fourth stop of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference tour takes the spotlight at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex in Laguna today.
F2 Logistics, which shook off a tough five-set defeat to Akari last 17 October with a pair of shutout wins over lightweight rivals, is more than ready to take on the Angels head-on in their 6 p.m. encounter in a match tipped to go the distance.
The Angels and the Cargo Movers are coming off 3-0 romps over the Nxled Chameleons and the Galeries Tower Highrisers, respectively, in faraway Candon, Ilocos Sur over the weekend and both are deemed to have recovered from the rigors of the long trip and be in top form come gametime.
“We need to prepare because teams like Petro Gazz are tried and tested. Hopefully, we will be able to apply the things that we have learned in the past games (in this game against Petro Gazz),” F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego said.
“But we’ll do our best and hopefully no more injuries,” Diego added, referring to the inability of one of his main players to suit up in Ilocos last week.
Top hitter Myla Pablo, who missed the action up north, is expected to be back and join Ara Galang, Ivy Lacsina, Aby Maraño, Majoy Baron and Jolina dela Cruz as they slug it out with the streaking Angels, who also rolled to 3-0 victories over the Highrisers and the Gerflor Defenders to stalk fellow unbeaten solo leader Creamline Cool Smashers (4-0).
“Rest is very crucial. But there’s no change in our game plan, we just have to train hard and remain focused,” said Petro Gazz assistant coach Stephen Patrona, who took over from head mentor Timmy Sto. Tomas the last time out.
Sto. Tomas is also expected to be back for the Angels, who will again be spearheaded by the crack crew of Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Pontillas, Djanel Cheng, Kecelyn Galdones, Jonah Sabete and Ranya Musa, making the duel truly a match to watch.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho shoots for its third straight after dropping a four-setter to Creamline as it mixes it up with the winless Defenders at 4 p.m. with Sisi Rondina also raring to soar again with her highly-charged plays.
PLDT, on the other hand, tangles with Nxled in the 2 p.m. opener with the High Speed Hitters likewise setting out for a third win in a row after a four-set setback to the Cignal HD Spikers.
The Chameleons, in contrast, have dropped their last two games after debuting with a straight-set win over the Defenders in the season-ending conference of the league.
