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PVL Tuesday Thriller: Five Teams Compete For Three Semifinal Spots
Photo credit: PVL
The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference enters its single round eliminations phase with a thrilling showdown on Tuesday.

Four teams will battle it out for two coveted semifinal berths, while one team aims to solidify its advancement against a determined squad looking to halt their progress.

Creamline is the only team assured of a spot in the next round after sweeping Pool A play in the qualifying stage, which included 11 teams.

As a result, the final eliminations playdate promises to be a fierce scramble for the remaining three semifinal spots.

F2 Logistics seems to have the upper hand in securing the other Pool B slot as they face a Foton side that narrowly missed out on a semifinal bid but is eager to make things difficult for the Cargo Movers and build momentum for the Classification round.

The clash between F2 Logistics and Foton is scheduled for 12 noon. F2 Logistics aims to bounce back from their tough five-set defeat to the Petro Gazz Angels last Thursday and secure their place in the mid-season conference's semifinals.

The subsequent matches will provide thrilling encounters as Choco Mucho, in resurgent form, takes on a surging Cignal team at 4 p.m. for the remaining Pool B berth.

Choco Mucho enters the match physically and emotionally drained following a grueling but morale-boosting five-set victory over the Angels last Saturday, while the HD Spikers arrive with high spirits after dominant 3-0 wins over Foton and Farm Fresh.

Sisi Rondina, the former UST hitter and beach volleyball stalwart, led Choco Mucho with a remarkable 29-hit performance against the Angels.

Despite their draining win, Rondina is expected to bring the same power, enthusiasm, and energy against the HD Spikers.

Her leadership will be crucial for a talented Choco Mucho team that lacks guidance and control on the court.

The 6:30 p.m. match in Pool A features a toss-up between Chery Tiggo and PLDT, as neither team holds a distinct advantage over the other.

Both teams secured victories against Gerflor in their previous game assignments, with Chery Tiggo showing improvement after a shaky start.

The rookies, including Eya Laure, Imee Hernandez, Princess Robles, and setter Joyme Cagande, have gradually found their rhythm alongside veterans Mylene Paat, EJ Laure, Cza Carandang, and Ponggay Gaston. Coach Aaron Velez's bench now possesses the depth necessary to compete against the High-Speed Hitters.

However, PLDT will face the crucial match without one of their hitters, Jovie Prado, who sustained a knee injury during their clash with Creamline. Additionally, top hitter Me-an Mendrez has been inconsistent in PLDT's rotation, although she is expected to contribute alongside Dell Palomata, Michelle Morente, Honey Royse Tubino, and captain Mika Reyes. Fiola Ceballos hopes to maintain her strong performance after scoring 13 points against the Defenders in their last game.

Meanwhile, the Petro Gazz Angels, who have a 3-2 record and narrowly missed securing the first semifinal seat after a five-set victory over the Cargo Movers, are hoping for a Foton victory over F2 Logistics.

This outcome would result in a three-way tie for second place with the loser of the Choco Mucho-Cignal match. In case of ties, the set ratio system will be used to determine the rankings.
Jul 17, 2023
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