Games Saturday
(Candon City Arena, Ilocos Sur)
4 p.m. – Galeries vs PLDT
6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Choco Mucho
Candon City in Ilocos Sur comes alive once again as the Premier Volleyball League stages another stop in the country’s tobacco capital – featuring two explosive matches.
Headlining the PVL Reinforced Conference road series are the tournament’s leading squads, each looking to formalize their quarterfinal stints against rivals desperate to stay in contention.
In the 6:30 p.m. main game at the Candon City Arena, the surging ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles aim for their sixth straight victory and a formal entry into the Last 8 as they take on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
Fresh off a sweep of the first phase of the two-part prelims – highlighted by a stirring come-from-behind win over the Akari Chargers last Tuesday – the Thunderbelles expect not only a strong challenge from the Flying Titans but also the energy of a passionate local crowd.
Earlier at 4 p.m., the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Galeries Tower Highrisers square off in another exciting matchup.
PLDT, currently holding a 4-1 record and chasing a rare season sweep of all three conference titles, is virtually assured of a quarterfinal spot. But with Galeries Tower still winless at 0-5, the Highrisers are eager to finally break through – or at least play spoiler.
Import Anna DeBeer continues to power the team with her blend of offense, leadership and composure, inspiring a youthful roster now thrust into the PVL spotlight.
Backed by the likes of AC Miner, Riza Nogales, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Mycah Go, setter Cloane Mondonedo and libero Alyssa Eroa, along with veterans Jovelyn Gonzaga and Fiola Ceballos, the Thunderbelles are determined to sustain their winning run and raise their level even higher.
Complacency could be PLDT’s biggest enemy.
With import Anastasiia Bavykina, Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan and Dell Palomata in form, they are heavily favored. Still, Jelene Cvijovic, Ysa Jimenez, Jean Asis, Dim Pacres and Roselle Baliton of Galeries Tower remain motivated to deliver a statement performance.
If there’s one thing this Reinforced Conference has proven, it’s that unpredictability reigns supreme. Upsets and reversals have kept fans guessing, making the road to the quarterfinals even more thrilling.
The only certainty in this weekend’s matches?
Candon City fans are in for another spectacular treat – just like the last time the PVL brought its brand of elite volleyball to town last July.
