Chery Tiggo, ZUS Coffee Debut at PVL Montalban

Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee are set to make their long-awaited debut in the PVL On Tour, facing off Saturday against squads eager to bounce back from early defeats in the pre-season kickoff held in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Adding buzz to the weekend is the newly constructed Ynares Center in Montalban, Rizal, which is hosting its first major volleyball event before an anticipated large crowd.

Ynares Center Montalban becomes the third out-of-town stop in this year’s PVL On Tour, following successful events in Vigan City and Batangas City.

Organized by Sports Vision, the tour moves next to the Capital Arena in Ilagan City on July 12-13, before returning to the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

The City of Passi Arena in Iloilo will take center stage from July 19-20, followed by the USJ-R Coliseum in Cebu City on July 26-27.

Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur will host its third PVL event on July 29, highlighted by Choco Mucho vs. Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo vs. ZUS Coffee.

Remaining preliminary matches will rotate between the FilOil EcoOil Arena and Philsports Arena.

After sitting out the opening weeks, both Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee are eager to make a statement.

Chery Tiggo, the 2021 PVL Open Conference champion, faces Capital1 Solar Spikers at 4 p.m., followed by the Thunderbelles’ clash with the Akari Chargers at 6:30 p.m.

All four teams are seeking momentum—Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee aiming for a strong debut, while Capital1 and Akari try to rebound from losses to Creamline and Pool B leader Cignal.

Chery Tiggo will be without Alas Pilipinas standout Jen Nierva, but veterans Angela Nunag and Joahna Verdeflor are ready to fill in.

They’ll be supported by Ces Robles, Ara Galang, Shaya Adorador, Abi Maraño, Pauline Gaston, and Mary Rhose Dapol, with Cza Carandang and Seth Rodriguez in the middle.

Playmakers Jasmine Nabor, Joyme Cagande, and Alina Bicar will rotate in the setter position.

Rookies Reyann Canete and Erika Jin Deloria are expected to make early impact, inspired by fellow newcomers like Lyann De Guzman (Nxled), Jean Asis (Galeries Tower), Jen Villegas (Choco Mucho), and Sheena Toring (Creamline).

For Capital1, rookie Athena Abbu has shown potential, but the team will need stronger outings from Trisha Genesis, Jorelle Singh, Shola Alvarez, Sydney Niegos, and Rovena Instrella to stay in the race.

ZUS Coffee features No. 5 overall pick AC Miner, an Ateneo product like De Guzman, joined by Mycah Go from St. Benilde and UE’s Riza Nogales.

Although they will miss top rookie Thea Gagate—currently with Alas Pilipinas—the Thunderbelles still field a competitive squad led by Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, Dolly Versoza, Gayle Pascual, Chinnie Arroyo, and Fiola Ceballos.

Akari is expected to bounce back with key players Grethcel Soltones, Eli Soyud, Ivy Lacsina, Camille Victoria, and Celine Domingo leading the charge.

They’ll be reinforced by rookies Chenie Tagaod, Jamaica Villena, and Joan Doguna.

PVL action resumes Sunday at Ynares Center Montalban with Chery Tiggo facing Akari at 4 p.m., followed by ZUS Coffee vs. Capital1 at 6:30 p.m.