By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Saturday
(Philsports Arena)
1:30 p.m. – Kobe Shinwa U vs ZUS Coffee
4 p.m. – PLDT vs Cignal
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Chery Tiggo
PLDT seeks to stretch its winning run to three games when it battles Cignal on Saturday, Aug. 23, in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Match is at 4 p.m. with the High Speed Hitters also aiming to extend their winning streak to 10 games dating back to the preseason On Tour event.
Japan’s Kobe Shinwa University also makes its international debut when it clashes with ZUS Coffee in the 1:30 p.m. curtain-raiser, while fancied Creamline collides with Chery Tiggo at 6:30 p.m.
Still on a high from their title win in the on Tour that solidified their status as one of the teams to beat this conference, expect the High Speed Hitters to flaunt the same depth and firepower with Fil-Canadian Savi Davison at the center of their assault.
Also out to bolster their run are Kim Dy, Majoy Baron and Mika Reyes — three hardworking veterans brimming with wealth of experience and confidence in stabilizing the crew.
In contrast, Cignal seeks to crawl out of a 0-2 hole that includes a tough semis loss to Creamline in the On Tour and a five-set defeat to the same squad in the Invitational opener last Thursday, Aug. 21.
Heather Guino-o, who erupted for 21 points, is expected to join forces with Erika Santos along with Roselyn Doria and Ishi Lalongisip.
In other matches, Kobe Shinwa adds international flavor to the tournament as it is expected to parade Japan’s fast-paced style of play.
ZUS Coffee, however, is set to give them a run for their money as the Thunderbelles hope to prove their worth. The team was a late addition to the conference after last year’s champion Kurashiki Ablaze withdrew due to coaching concerns.
Meanwhile, Creamline aims a follow up from that win over Cignal to boost its title chances and put them at 1-1.
But the Cool Smashers are not taking their rivals lightly as Chery Tiggo hopes to improve its 1-1 card.
