Games Today (Thursday)
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs. PLDT
6:30 p.m. – Akari vs. Galeries Tower
Choco Mucho and Akari look to ride the momentum of their thrilling comeback victories as they aim to secure the first two semifinal spots in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Both teams resume their best-of-three quarterfinal series today at Philsports Arena in Pasig. The Flying Titans take on the PLDT High Speed Hitters at 4 p.m., while the Chargers battle the Galeries Tower Highrisers at 6:30 p.m. A win guarantees a Final Four berth, while a loss forces a do-or-die Game 3.
Choco Mucho stunned PLDT with a dramatic five-set rally in Game 1, overcoming a two-set deficit to clinch the decider in extended fashion. The match showcased the high-stakes intensity of the quarterfinals, where no lead is safe.
The Flying Titans’ depth played a pivotal role in their comeback. Head coach Dante Alinsunurin made a bold adjustment, inserting Mars Alba for Deanna Wong in the third set. Alba delivered 16 excellent sets and three points, orchestrating the turnaround with poise and precision.
“For me, I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. When I stepped in for the third set, I told them, ‘Trust each other. We can do this,’” said Alba in Filipino. She faced her former F2 Logistics teammates Kim Dy, Kim Fajardo and Majoy Baron.
Choco Mucho will rely on the explosive Sisi Rondina to close out the series in Game 2.
PLDT, on the other hand, must respond with greater consistency and composure. Despite Savi Davison’s 25 points and 19 excellent receptions, the High Speed Hitters struggled to finish strong.
“I had some errors, especially in the fourth and third sets, that I need to clean up,” said Davison, who also emphasized the need for more offensive contributions.
“Hopefully, in Game 2, more players step up and put points on the board,” she added.
PLDT’s supporting cast—Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos and Baron—must deliver to extend the series.
Like Choco Mucho, Akari displayed resilience in Game 1 against Galeries Tower. After falling behind 1-2 in sets, the Chargers dominated the fourth and overpowered the Highrisers in the decider.
Former National University standout Ivy Lacsina spearheaded the charge, matching her career-high 28 points, including 22 attacks and six kill blocks.
“We can’t afford to slow down just because we won Game 1. The job’s not done until we achieve our ultimate goal,” said Lacsina in Filipino.
Akari’s depth, with key contributions from Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, Ezra Madrigal, Faith Nisperos, Camille Victoria and Steph Bustrillo, gives them an edge heading into Game 2.
Despite their inexperience, the Highrisers remain determined. Jewel Encarnacion, who led Galeries Tower with 18 points, acknowledged their struggles in closing tight sets but remains optimistic.
“Our coaches reminded us that despite the loss, we still pushed the game to five sets. We can’t let disappointment take over. We need to focus on the next game and fight for another chance,” said Encarnacion in Filipino.
Galeries Tower, which upset third-seed Cignal in the qualifying round, hopes to defy the odds once again.
With a Final Four spot at stake, the Flying Titans and Chargers face fierce resistance from their opponents, setting the stage for another thrilling set of matchups.
The PVL’s record-breaking six-month conference continues to deliver high-intensity action in this event organized by Sports Vision and backed by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.
Games are telecast live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+ and pvl.ph.
