By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Tuesday
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs Akari
6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Choco Mucho
Four more teams take center stage as they dispute the last two quarterfinal berths in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On tour at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday, Aug. 5.
Reigning All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz squares off with Akari at 4 p.m., while fancied Choco Mucho tangle with ZUS Coffee at 6:30 pm. in this doubleheader where winners complete the quarters cast that already has has Cignal, PLDT, Nxled, Creamline, Chery Tiggo and Farm Fresh.
Playing without a head coach following the sudden departure of Japanese mentor Koji Tsuzurabara, Petro Gazz still remains optimistic of its campaign by trying to carry the momentum it got from its four-set win over Choco Mucho last week in Candon, Ilocos Sur.
In that match, assistant coach Brian Esquibel temporarily steps over in guiding the Angels, who continue to cling to veterans Myla Pablo and Aiza Pontillas.
Pablo flashed her vintage form by unloading 23 points against the Flying Titans and is expected to do so anew against a dangerous Akari squad that is coming off a two-week respite.
Out to challenge Petro Gazz’s frontline is the Chargers’ own arsenal in Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones.
In the other pairing, ZUS Coffee tries to bring in the same firepower it displayed in surviving a tough Chery Tiggo crew the last time.
Young guns AC Miner, Kate Santiago, Chinnie Arroyo and Chai Troncoso proved their worth with double-digit productions – all thanks to the playmaking skills of setter Cloanne Mondonedo.
But Choco Mucho, which boasts of two runner-up finishes over the last two years, is expected to flaunt its wide experience anchored on Royse Tubino and Cherry Nunag, with the help of rookie Ayesha Juegos.
