Cignal and Petro Gazz are both aiming for their second consecutive victories against ZUS Coffee and Capital1, respectively, in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig this Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Akari faces a formidable challenge in pursuit of another win, colliding with Choco Mucho.
With top-notch reinforcements and a dependable local crew, the HD Spikers and the Angels launched their mid-season conference campaigns emphatically, disposing of the Flying Titans and the Thunderbelles via 3-0 routs, making them slight favorites over the Thunderbelles and the Solar Spikers, respectively.
The Chargers, who previously defeated the Solar Spikers in four sets, are bracing for a strong fightback from the Flying Titans, who are out to redeem themselves from a shutout loss to the hot-starting HD Spikers in Pool B action.
Revised Schedule for Fan Convenience
(C) PVL Images
In an effort to accommodate fans with more conveniently timed matches, the Sports Vision-organized league has revised its schedule.
Cignal will take on ZUS Coffee at 1 p.m., Akari will clash with Choco Mucho at 3 p.m., and Petro Gazz will mix it up with Capital1 at 5 p.m.
Anticipated Matchups and Key Players
(C) PVL Images
Akari is set for an early on-court reunion with former stalwart Dindin Santiago-Manabat, who transferred to the Flying Titans during the offseason. After overcoming Capital1, Japanese head coach Taka Minowa expressed his focus on building a connection between import Oly Okaro and the rest of the Chargers, given their limited preparation time prior to the conference.
“Since the exchange of Akari-Nxled players, we haven’t had enough time to practice because a lot of players were injured last conference and after we started practice. Until Oly (Okaro) came to Akari, we haven’t done any six-on-six,” said Minowa.
“Maybe this time, we will start doing six-on-six and also build the team’s connection, especially since we don’t have any tune-up. We need to maximize this time to be better and also have a connection with Oly. As a coach, this is my purpose: the combination with Oly and integrating her with Akari.”
With the Flying Titans eager to secure a win behind Greek import Zoi Faki, Manabat, and Maddie Madayag, Minowa will need to draw the best from Okaro, Ivy Lacsina, and Michelle Cobb.
MJ Perez aims to surpass her 22-point performance against the Flying Titans as the HD Spikers, who also boast talents like Ces Molina, Chin Basas, Gel Cayuna, Roselyn Doria, and Riri Meneses, gun for their second straight win against the Asaka Tamaru-led Thunderbelles.
Petro Gazz, winner of this event in 2022, is again tipped to showcase its deep bench, anchored by Brooke Van Sickle and Wilma Salas, with locals Remy Palma, Djanel Cheng, Aiza Pontillas, Jonah Sabete, and Kecelyn Galdones ready to step up against Capital1, led by Marina Tushova and second overall pick Leila Cruz.
