Games Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
2 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Strong Group
4 p.m. – Cignal vs Akari
6 p.m. – Creamline vs Farm Fresh
Creamline launches its 3-peat bid against Farm Fresh while Kung Fu Reyes-mentored Chery Tiggo goes for a second straight win in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Feb. 24.
New recruits Ara Galang and Aby Maraño helped deliver the goods as the Crossovers rolled past the debuting Capital 1 Solar Spikers in last Tuesday’s inaugurals of the league’s centerpiece tournament.
Pitted against another newcomer in the Athletics at 2 p.m., Reyes anticipates minimal resistance, considering the opponent’s recent three-set loss to the Petro Gazz Angels.
Powerhouse Creamlime battles Farm Fresh in the day’s final match at 6 p.m. just after the 4 .m. clash between Cignal and Akari.
Shooting for a third straight AFC championship and eighth PVL crown, the Cool Smashers also boast of a formidable roster with players like Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao, Bernadeth Pons, Risa Sato and Pangs Panaga.
Coach Sherwin Meneses also faces the challenge of dealing with a strong lineup, including Bea de Leon and Denden Revilla, as they set out against the Foxies in the 6 p.m. mainer of the first triple-bill in the three-month long conference organized by Sports Vision.
Reyes acknowledges the abundance of outside hitters but expresses confidence in the reliability of his talented squad, which includes Mylene Paat, Cza Carandang, Cess Robles, Pauline Gaston, Shaya Adorado and the Laure sisters – EJ and Eya.
But the Athletics are hopeful for an improved performance from players such as skipper Dolly Versoza, Angeli Cane, Sheeka Espinosa, Nikkie Baldizanso, Sousan Raslan, Joy Onofre, Andrea Rebleza and Ayumi Furukawa.
But the Foxies are ready to put up a strong fight behind Trisha Tubu, Alyssa Bertolano, Rizza Cruz, Jaycel delos Reyes, Sofia Ildefonso, Angelica Legacion, Kate Santiago and Louie Romero.
Former Choco Mucho hitter Caitlyn Viray and seasoned Elaine Kasilag are backstopping the young squad.
Out to lead the HD Spikers are Vanie Gandler, Ces Molina, Chin Basas, Roselyn Doria, Riri Meneses, Jovelyn Gonzaga and playmaker Gel Cayuna with new addition Jovelyn Fernandez also out to make an impact.
But the Chargers have also toughened up in pursuit of at least a shot at the championship with former Creamline ace middle Ces Domingo and former Petro Gazz stalwart Grethcel Soltones joining Dindin Manabat, Faith Nisperos, Joy Soyud, Fifi Sharma, Trisha Genesis and Michelle Cobb.
