THE Premier Volleyball League’s leading squads look to formalize their quarterfinal stints when they face rivals looking to stay in contention on Saturday in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
The surging ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles aim for their sixth straight victory and a formal entry into the Round of Eight as they take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the 6:30 p.m. main game at the Candon City Arena.
The PLDT High Speed Hitters, who hold the second-best record, face Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 4 p.m. match.
Fresh off a sweep of the first phase of the two-part prelims-highlighted by a stirring come-from-behind win over the Akari Chargers last Tuesday-the Thunderbelles look to notch their sixth win in as many matches as they battle the Flying Titans.
Import Anna DeBeer continues to power the team with her blend of offense, leadership and composure, inspiring a youthful roster now thrust into the PVL spotlight.
Also starring AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Mycah Go, setter Cloane Mondonedo and libero Alyssa Eroa, along with veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Ceballos, the Thunderbelles are determined to sustain their winning run.
The Flying Titans enter the match with urgency after dropping their last two outings, including a tough straight-sets loss to the resurgent Capital1 Solar Spikers.
With import Marlee Smith leading the charge, Choco Mucho has shown flashes of brilliance but struggled to close out sets-something they must address to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.
With a seasoned local core featuring Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, Cherry Nunag, Des Cheng and Royse Tubino, the Titans eye a strong rebound.
At 2-3, Choco Mucho sits at 10th and must sweep their remaining three matches to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.
PLDT, currently holding a 4-1 record and chasing a rare season sweep of all three conference titles, is virtually assured of a quarterfinal spot.
Galeries Tower winless in five matches, are eager to finally break through.
Complacency could be PLDT’s biggest enemy. With import Anastasiia Bavykina, Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata in form, they are heavily favored. Still, Jelene Cvijovic, Ysa Jimenez, Jean Asis, Dim Pacres and Roselle Baliton of Galeries Tower remain motivated to deliver a statement performance.