Games today:
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. — Farm Fresh vs Cignal
4 p.m. — Gerflor vs PLDT
6 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs Chery Tiggo
Unbeaten Petro Gazz gets another litmus test in its bid to take the solo lead in a showdown against Chery Tiggo in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Angels have yet to drop a set in the season-ending conference, winning all of their first four assignments for a share of the lead with defending champion Creamline.
Although Petro Gazz is sure to face tough resistance from an equally star-studded Crossovers side, head coach Timmy Sto. Tomas is confident his crew will get the job done in the 6 p.m. main game of the triple-header playdate.
“I guess it’s more of preparation and how to motivate the girls because they have unquestionable drive to win. I’m really happy to guide them because everyone’s very eager to learn and win,” Sto. Tomas said of his team raring to get another shot at the AFC crown after a runner-up finish in the first serving of the tournament early this year.
“I think we’re on the same note on wanting to learn and win.”
Meanwhile, PLDT seeks a fourth straight win when it takes on winless Gerflor at 4 p.m. while clashing in the 2 p.m. curtain-raiser are Cignal and listless Farm Fresh.
The Angels are beaming with confidence after dominating one of the top contenders in F2 Logistics, 25-22, 27-25, 25-14, last Thursday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
Ranya Musa has been doing wonders as replacement for now Korea-based MJ Phillips in providing stability at the net on defense and an added weapon on offense.
She led Petro Gazz in the one-hour, 40-minute dismantling of the Cargo Movers with 11 points with Jonah Sabete, Grethcel Soltones, Remy Palma and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas backing her up.
Setter Djanel Cheng’s steady playmaking has been the key in the Angels’ unbeaten run.
But bringing down Chery Tiggo won’t be an easy task.
The Crossovers bounced back from having their two-game win streak snapped with a 25-8, 25-12, 25-20, drubbing of Gerflor last Tuesday.
Chery Tiggo sports a 3-1 slate tied with PLDT and Choco Mucho.
Sisters EJ and Eya Laure, Pauline Gaston, Imee Hernandez, Ces Robles, Cza Carandang, Shaya Adorador and setters Jasmine Nabor and Joyme Cagande are all ready to deliver the Aaron Velez-mentored squad to another win.
“It’s going to be an exciting match. Definitely, you’ll be seeing a different side of Chery and hopefully what we prepared for Petro Gazz will have an equal output to what we expect,” Velez said.
As for PLDT, the High Speed Hitters are on a three-game streak after a bad start.
PLDT flattened Nxled, 22-25, 25-17, 25-11, 25-20, last Thursday.
Savannah Davison, who dropped 21 points last match, Erika Santos, Royse Tubino, Del Palomata, Mika Reyes and seasoned playmaker Rhea Dimaculangan are again expected to bring the usual numbers for the High Speed Hitters.
