STREAKING PLDT is poised to extend its run against winless Strong Group today, Tuesday, aiming not only to catch Choco Mucho at the helm but also to build further momentum heading to the final stretch of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
On a four-game roll, the High Speed Hitters set out for their 6 p.m. match with the Athletics as the heavy favorites, given their talent-laden roster and experience. But with its coming matches against formidable teams such as Chery Tiggo, Cignal and Creamline, PLDT’s path to the semifinals is lined with pivotal encounters.
The standings are tightly packed with Choco Mucho seizing the solo lead with a 7-1 card and PLDT just behind with a 6-1 mark. Creamline and Petro Gazz are tied for third at 6-2, and Chery Tiggo and Cignal are just behind with similar 5-2 slates, creating a fierce battle for the semifinal spots in the league’s concluding three weeks.
Despite the disparity in the rankings, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort is expected to approach the match against Strong Group with a full-strength lineup, possibly trying new player combinations to bolster the team’s depth as they prepare for the decisive matches ahead.
PLDT faces Chery Tiggo on April 16, mixes it up with Cignal on April 20 before colliding with Creamline on April 25.
Securing a sweep is paramount for PLDT and its fellow contenders as the PVL points system will most likely come into play to break any ties for the last semis berth with six teams currently in a tight battle for the coveted seats.
