Games Saturday
(San Juan Arena)
4 p.m. – Nxled vs Creamline
6:30 p.m. – Akari vs Capital1
Streaks will be on the line as surging Creamline squares off with a struggling Nxled side, while Capital1 Solar Energy takes on Akari in another vital showdown in the Premier Volleyball LeaguePVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Saturday, March 6.
The Cool Smashers enter the 4 p.m. showdown riding a wave of confidence after sweeping their last four matches following an opening-day stumble.
The 6:30 p.m. clash between Akari and Capital1 also promises to be as compelling as they mix it up in a duel between two teams coming off morale-boosting victories.
Akari stunned league-leading Cignal in a dramatic five-set thriller, while Capital1 halted the surge of Farm Fresh, also via a grueling five-set battle.
The stars of the four teams are also eager to provide fireworks and entertainment with Capital1’s Bella Belen out to lead the show after averaging close to 25 points a game.
Belen is fast emerging as the face of the league with her growing number of fans, and of course, her charm and youthful exuberance.
Ready to provide her support in their bid to improve their 3-3 record is Sydney Niegos, who erupted for 20 points in their previous win. Also expect to shine are Shaya Adorador, Pauline Gaston, Cherry Nunag and France Ronquillo.
As in the part, the 10-time champion Creamline will rely heavily on Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Pangs Panaga, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez.
One of the seniors in the league, Valdez remains a top attraction as she continues to flash her vintage form.
She ought to display that form against a team aching to end an alarming skid despite star-studded roster.
After an impressive start that saw the Chameleons win three straight the team suddenly lost its footing, absorbing a string of setbacks that pushed it from early contender status to the outside looking in.
Despite the recent losses, Nxled coach Ettore Guidettiremains optimistic that his team can rediscover the chemistry that fueled its early success.
Nxled’s roster remains among the league’s deepest, anchored by consistent performers such as Brooke Van Sickle and MJ Phillips. But the other key players and supporting cast – Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete, Chiara Permentilla, EJ Laure, Aduke Ogunsanya, Aby Maraño and setter Jules Tolentino – have yet to consistently click as a unit, leaving Guidetti searching for the right mix.
