The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference wraps up its preliminary round on Saturday in Passi City with two high-stakes matches that could significantly shape the knockout phase. With multiple possible scenarios for the qualifying round, every set – and even every point could prove crucial in determining final seedings.
At 4 p.m. at the City of Passi Arena, the PLDT High Speed Hitters (8-3) seek to solidify their hold on the No. 4 spot as they take on the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (4-6), a team that, despite its lower ranking, remains determined to shake up the standings.
Meanwhile, the final prelims match between Choco Mucho Flying Titans (7-3) and Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-5) is a virtual toss-up, with the outcome potentially altering the middle-tier playoff pairings.
PLDT enters the match on a high note after stunning defending champions Creamline in a five-set thriller that snapped the Cool Smashers' 19-game win streak. With momentum on their side, Savi Davison, coming off a career-best 34-point explosion, along with Majoy Baron, Fiolaa Ceballos, Mika Reyes and Erika Santos, are expected to deliver another all-out performance.
"Siguro 'yung tulong nitong (panalo), meron na kaming baon na nakapag-perform kami sa big games. 'Yun talaga 'yung pinakaimportante, saka 'yung tiwala at bilib na laya makipagsabayan talaga," said PLDT High Speed Hitters Rald Ricafort.
For ZUS Coffee, securing an upset would do little to change their No. 9 ranking, but a strong finish could serve as a psychological boost heading into the qualifiers. Coach Jerry Yee will look to Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit and standout rookie Thea Gagate to challenge the more experienced PLDT squad.
The clash between Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo carries the most uncertainty, as its result could create a ripple effect across the standings. If Choco Mucho prevails, the Flying Titans will likely lock in at No. 5, setting up a knockout-stage duel against the No. 6 Crossovers.
However, a Chery Tiggo victory could dramatically shake up the rankings, potentially elevating them to No. 6 and reshuffling the playoff pairings, promising Iloilo fans an exciting weekend spectacle.
Choco Mucho will rely on Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz and Royse Tubino to execute their aggressive attacking playstyle. Meanwhile, Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles and Aby Maraña will be crucial for Chery Tiggo, who are looking to capitalize on their long rest period to come in fresh and ready.
"Syempre sobrang kailangan namin 'yung panalo na 'yun para sa placing at para sa magiging mindset namin. Magiging motivation namin para makadating ng playoffs may kumpyansa kami," said Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin.
Meanwhile, If PLDT and Choco Mucho win, the bracket will likely set up No. 4 PLDT vs. No. 7 Chery Tiggo and No. 5 Choco Mucho vs. No. 6 ZUS Coffee.
If PLDT and Chery Tiggo win, Chery Tiggo moves to No. 6, facing No. 7 in the KO round.
If Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee both win, the seedings could shift even further, resulting in an entirely different knockout pairing.
One certainty remains, all teams will be going all out, not just for better positioning but also to gain momentum and confidence heading into the do-or-die qualifying round next Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Meanwhile, Creamline, Petro Gazz, and Cignal have locked in the top three seeds, setting up their respective matchups in the knockout stage. The Cool Smashers will take on the No. 12 Nxled Chameleons, the Angels will clash with the No. 11 Capital1 Solar Spikers, and the HD Spikers will battle the No. 10 Galeries Tower Highrisers.
