BY ABBY TORALBA
DEFENDING champion Petro Gazz begins its title retention bid when it faces Choco Mucho today in the PVL Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The showdown between the Angels and the Flying Titans is set at 5:30 p.m. in the second match of a double-header.
The Angels, who won the title back in 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, tapped American spiker Lindsey Vander Weide as their reinforcement with coach Rald Ricafort steering the team this conference.
“I think it was three years ago (iyong last reinforced conference) pero gusto pa rin namin i-ride iyong momentum,” Ricafort said.
“Iyon nga, defending that championship with an import so kahit iba na iyong line-up namin this conference, tinake namin iyong challenge to get that championship,” he added.
Petro Gazz will also bank on Myla Pablo, Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, MJ Phillips, Remy Palma, Chie Saet, Cienne Cruz, Marian Buitre, Djanel Cheng, Bang Pineda, Nicole Tiamzon, Yeye Gabarda, Seth Rodriguez and Jonah Sabete.
The Flying Titans tapped Uzbek-Azerbaijani hitter Odina Zayniddinovna Aliyeva as their import while Kat Tolentino, Des Cheng, Isa Molde, Deanna Wong, Bea De Leon, Cherry Nunag and Denden Lazaro-Revilla are also expected to banner the squad.
Ponggay Gaston, Maddie Madayag, Maika Ortiz, Caitlyn Viray, Regine Arocha Jem Ferrer, Aduke Ogunsanya, Shannen Palex and Thang Ponce will boost a Choco Mucho side helmed by tactician Oliver Almadro.
In the first game at 2:30, returning F2 Logistics will test the mettle of Chery Tiggo.
After skipping the previous PVL Invitational Conference, the Cargo Movers are expected to go all out in their drive.
American hitter Linsday Stalzer will lead the squad as their team captain while F2 Logistics, will be spearheaded by mentor Benson Bocboc, are also counting on Kalei Mau, Aby Marano, Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Majoy Baron and Dawn Macandili.
Completing the crew for the Cargo Movers are Tin Tiamzon, Ivy Lacsina, Iris Tolenada, Shola Alvarez, Dzi Gervacio, Chloe Cortez, Des Clemente, Rovena Instrella, Rem Cailing, Elaine Kasilag, Jessma Ramos, and Carmel Woo.
The Crossovers recruited Jelena Cvijovic from Montenegro as their reinforcement and will also have local aces Mylene Paat, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, EJ Laure, Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor and Ria Duremdes.
May Luna, Justine Dorog, Roselle Baliton, Cza Carandang, Alina Bicar, Jaycel Reyes, Jaila Atienza, Rachelle Roldan, France Ronquillo, and Pia Sarmento will also shore up Chery Tiggo which will coached by Clarence Esteban.
