Photo credit: PVL

The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is heating up as Cignal HD Spikers aim to solidify their hold on the No. 3 spot when they face off against the Akari squad on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena. Currently tied with Choco Mucho Flying Titans at a 7-3 record, the HD Spikers have a slight edge in points (22-17), which could be the key to securing their seeding advantage.

With a win, Cignal can lock in the No. 3 seed and set themselves up for a more favorable matchup against the No. 10 team in the next round. Even if Choco Mucho triumphs over Chery Tiggo on Feb. 22, the HD Spikers’ higher point tally means they hold the upper hand. The rankings play a major role in shaping the tournament bracket, where the top six teams enter the knockout phase with a psychological advantage. The format pits the top-seeded teams against lower-ranked squads, and winning teams will move on to the best-of-three quarterfinals.

Coming off back-to-back victories against Capital1 and ZUS Coffee, Cignal looks to stay on track despite losing two key players. Vanie Gandler continues to lead the charge, supported by rookies like Ishie Lalongisip and standout players Jacqueline Acuña, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, and ace setter Gel Cayuna. Lalongisip shared her team's focused mindset heading into the match, emphasizing the importance of securing a win for a stronger placement in the preliminaries: "We just have to keep working hard and follow coach's lead. We know we have to get this win," she said.

Meanwhile, Akari (5-5) is tied for sixth with Chery Tiggo and is looking to bounce back from a four-set loss to Choco Mucho. Head coach Taka Minowa will count on the efforts of Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Fifi Sharma, Erika Raagas, Kamille Cal, and Camille Victoria to regain momentum in the crucial game.

In the second match of the day, Farm Fresh (4-6) looks to finish the preliminaries strong with a win over the struggling Capital1 Solar Spikers (1-9). The Foxies have the upper hand, with key players like Trisha Tubu, Caitlin Viray, Aly Bertolano, and Jolina dela Cruz ready to battle for a positive end to their campaign.

Capital1, currently at the bottom of the standings, is hoping to turn things around with strong performances from Shola Alvarez, Des Clemente-De Guzman, Trisha Genesis, Jorelle Singh, Rovena Instrella, Patty Orendain, and Leila Cruz.

With just a few matches left in the preliminary round, every game counts as teams aim to position themselves for the knockout rounds. Stay tuned to see if Cignal can secure that coveted No. 3 seed, or if Akari will find the consistency they need to make a late-season push.