PLDT High Speed Hitters aim to capitalize on Chery Tiggo’s recent defeat as they pursue their fourth consecutive win in Pool A of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Coach Rald Ricafort emphasized the need for his team to stay on the winning track, anticipating a strong rebound from the Crossovers, whose two-game streak was halted by the Creamline Cool Smashers last Tuesday.
“First, we’re coming off a win, while they (Crossovers) just faced a loss. Second, we were fortunate to face Creamline in our first game, and we know they’re still the top team,” said Ricafort, whose team edged out the Cool Smashers in five sets last July 16.
“We were lucky to win that first game, but now they’re showing their true form,” added Ricafort, referring to Creamline’s back-to-back victories against Farm Fresh and Chery Tiggo.
“Heading into our game against Chery Tiggo, we have some momentum, but once the game starts, we have to work hard to secure the win.”
The Crossovers, led by coach Kungfu Reyes, are determined to return to the winning column in their 5 p.m. encounter.
Reyes aims to motivate and draw the best from his formidable lineup, which includes import Kath Bell and locals Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Mary Rhose Dapol, Aby Maraño, Cza Carandang, Shaya Adorador, Pauline Gaston, and Seth Rodriguez.
Despite the absence of ace hitter Eya Laure and top libero Jen Nierva, who are still with the Alas Pilipinas squad, and injured wing player EJ Laure, the Crossovers remain strong contenders. However, they will need to play to their full potential to stop the High Speed Hitters.
PLDT has demonstrated impressive form, coming from behind to defeat Creamline, and subsequently demolishing Galeries Tower and Nxled in straight sets.
The team has emerged as the lone unbeaten squad in their side of the two-pool tournament, where the top three teams from Pool A will clash with the bottom three in the other side.
Lena Samoilenko has been complementing PLDT’s local players well, including Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, and middles Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron.
Kim Fajardo, Jules Samonte, Kiesha Bedonia, and Rachel Austero are also ready to step up as needed.
Meanwhile, the Creamline Cool Smashers are aiming for a third straight victory in four games as they face winless Galeries Tower at 3 p.m. C
oach Sherwin Meneses remains cautious of their opponents, noting, “Galeries Tower fights hard. I watched their game against the Farm Fresh Foxies and was impressed with their floor defense. Their import (Chuewulim Sutadta) has improved significantly, so we can’t take them lightly. We studied their game carefully.”
The day’s action kicks off with a 1 p.m. opener between Farm Fresh and Nxled, both looking to break their 1-2 tie. Another triple-header promises to deliver the thrill and excitement that have become the norm three weeks into the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
Games are telecast live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.
Games today (August 3)
1 p.m. – Nxled vs Farm Fresh
3 p.m. – Galeries Tower vs Creamline
5 p.m. – PLDT vs Chery Tiggo
