PLDT sets out to maintain its winning streak and capitalize on Chery Tiggo's recent defeat as the High Speed Hitters pursue their fourth consecutive win in Pool A of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday.
Coach Rald Ricafort emphasized the need for his team to give their all to stay on the winning track, even as they anticipate a strong rebound from the Crossovers, whose two-game streak was halted by the Creamline Cool Smashers last Tuesday.
"First, we're coming off a win, while they (Crossovers) just faced a loss. Second, we were fortunate to face Creamline in our first game, and we know they're still the top team," said Ricafort, in the vernacular, whose team edged out the Cool Smashers in five sets last July 16. "We were lucky to win that first game, but now they're showing their true form," added Ricafort, referring to Creamline's back-to-back victories against Farm Fresh and Chery Tiggo. "Heading into our game against Chery Tiggo, we have some momentum, but once the game starts, we have to work hard to secure the win."
Expect the Crossovers to also persevere to return to the winning column in their 5 p.m. encounter with coach Kungfu Reyes looking to motivate and draw the best from his formidable lineup, led by import Kath Bell and locals Ara Galang, Mylene Paat, Mary Rhose Dapol, Aby Maraño, Cza Carandang, Shaya Adorador, Pauline Gaston and Seth Rodriguez.
Despite the absence of ace hitter Eya Laure and top libero Jen Nierva, who are still with the Alas Pilipinas squad, and injured wing player EJ Laure, the Crossovers remain strong contenders. However, they will need to play to their full potential to stop the High Speed Hitters.
After their come-from-behind victory over Creamline, PLDT demolished Galeries Tower and Nxled in straight-set fashion to emerge the lone unbeaten squad in their side of the two-pool tournament where the top three teams from Pool A after the single round clash with the bottom three in the other side, and vice versa.
Lena Samoilenko has been complementing PLDT's local players well, including Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, and middles Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron, with Kim Fajardo, Jules Samonte, Kiesha Bedonia, and Rachel Austero ready to step up as needed.
Meanwhile, Creamline looks to leverage its edge in manpower and experience as it goes for a third straight victory in four games against winless Galeries Tower at 3 p.m.
However, coach Sherwin Meneses remains cautious of their opponents.
"Galeries Tower fights hard. I watched their game against the Farm Fresh Foxies and was impressed with their floor defense. Their import (Chuewulim Sutadta) has improved significantly, so we can't take them lightly. We studied their game carefully," said Meneses in Pilipino.
Without a win in three games, the only way for the Hightowers is up, thus promising an exciting encounter.
In the 1 p.m. opener, Farm Fresh and Nxled break their 1-2 tie, kicking off another triple-header expected to deliver the thrill and excitement that have become the norm three weeks into the mid-season conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Games are telecast live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.
