By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
PLDT tries to extend its winning run and bolster its semifinal drive when it squares off with Strong Group Athletics on Tuesday, April 9, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Sporting a 6-1 win-loss record, a victory for the High Speed Hitters in their 6 p.m. confrontation with the Athletics will stretch their winning run to five games and claim the share of the lead with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
The race for the Final Four seats appears to be close heading to the critical few weeks with Creamline and Petro Gazz not far behind at joint third with identical 6-2 marks. Chery Tiggo and Cignal are also just one game behind with 5-2 records, while Akari is in the middle at 3-5.
Farm Fresh and Nxled, which carry similar 2-5 cards, collide at 4 p.m. with both sides eager for a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
PLDT will likely rely on key players like Savi Davison, Erika Santos, Majoy Baron, Fiola Ceballos and Dell Palomata to overpower Strong Group, which has yet to nail the elusive win despite the efforts of Dolly Verzosa, Souzan Raslan, Andrea Rebleza, Joy Onofre and Sheeka Espinosa.
But the High Speed Hitters are not taking the match lightly as the Athletics are eager to crawl out of the cellar after suffering seven straight defeats in as many outings.
Despite disparity in their rankings, PLDT coach Rald Ricafort is also expected to approach the match against Strong Group with a full-strength lineup, possibly trying with new player combinations to bolster the team’s depth as they prepare for the decisive matches ahead.
PLDT faces Chery Tiggo on April 16, Cignal on April 20 before colliding with Creamline on April 25.
