Games Thursday
(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – Cignal vs Akari
6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs PLDT
All eyes are on unbeaten PLDT as it squares off with ZUS Coffee side in a do-or-die quarterfinal encounter in the PVL On Tour today (Thursday) at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The High Speed Hitters have steamrolled through the competition, winning all five of their matches in the prelims while dropping just a single set. Their fluid offense, suffocating defense and enviable depth have made them the benchmark of consistency and control in this pre-season showcase organized by Sports Vision.
Opposite them stands ZUS Coffee – the Thunderbelles – whose path to the Last 8 has been anything but smooth.
They clash at 6:30 p.m. with the Thunderbelles hoping to use their dramatic come-from-behind win against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans just last Tuesday as an added boost.
Meanwhile, Cignal, which secured the No. 2 seed in the Last 8 phase, takes on Akari at 4 p.m., armed with a well-rested and recalibrated lineup eager to launch a strong semifinal push.
The Chargers, coming off a dominant victory over the depleted Petro Gazz Angels, banked on the impressive playmaking of rookie setter Bea Bonafe and a powerful frontline led by Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones. The trio combined for a dynamic offensive thrust that overwhelmed the defending All-Filipino Conference champions, also last Tuesday.
The HD Spikers, on the other hand, swept their first three matches in pool play before bouncing back from a loss with a victory over the Thunderbelles to advance directly to the quarters. That early qualification gave Cignal the luxury of rest and preparation – crucial advantages in a knockout stage where consistency, chemistry and mental fortitude will define the contenders.
Coach Shaq delos Santos has artfully integrated seasoned campaigners with fresh talent to build a deep and dangerous squad. Key acquisition Erika Santos has been a revelation, quickly adapting to delos Santos’ system and delivering standout performances – highlighted by her 30-point outburst against the Thunderbelles.
She has found alliance with Ishie Lalongisip, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Jacqueline Acuña, Heather Guino-o and veteran setter Gel Cayuna, while rookie Erin Pangilinan and another recruit Tin Tiamzon continue to provide energy and scoring off the bench.
Still, the Chargers are no easy prey.
Their emphatic win over the Angels signaled a team peaking at the right time. Lacsina, Soyud and Soltones form one of the most explosive attacking trios in the league, while Ezra Madrigal and Ced Domingo bring muscle and mobility to the middle. Add to that the versatility of Camille Victoria, Steph Bustrillo and rookie Chenie Tagaod – each capable of making an impact – and Akari looms as a dangerous opponent in this high-stakes matchup.
