High Speed Hitters, Crossovers renew rivalry as PVL Invitational unwraps

Games today (Thursday)

(Philsports Arena, Pasig)

4 p.m. – Cignal vs Creamline

6:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Chery Tiggo

As if they hadn’t seen enough of each other, PLDT and Chery Tiggo are set to clash again—not for a title just yet, but to open another possible championship showdown in the PVL Invitational Conference, which begins today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

With the Invitational set to run for only two weeks, every match carries added weight. Each serve, dig, and spike matters in a format with little room for error. The semifinalists from the recently concluded PVL On Tour enter the competition on short rest, yet eager to ride the momentum and fire of their two-month campaign.

None more so than the High Speed Hitters, who outlasted and outhustled Chery Tiggo in a five-set classic to claim their maiden PVL crown in the On Tour finale. That gritty performance not only brought them glory but also built the kind of confidence they aim to carry into this high-stakes sprint.

“The short break is part of the job. That’s just how it is,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort. “You celebrate, rest a bit, and then it’s back to work on Thursday. We’ll try to recover, then it’s grind time again.”

Meanwhile, the PVL On Tour semifinal results between PLDT vs. Creamline and Chery Tiggo vs. Cignal will be carried over to the PVL Invitational. Due to the tight schedule and the league’s aim to conclude the tournament before September, the league and participating teams mutually agreed to a one-day rest instead of having an additional game day.

As a result, the semis outcomes will now count toward the Invitational standings. PLDT and Chery Tiggo will begin the Invitational with 1-0 records, while Creamline and Cignal will start at 0-1.

Kim Dy, a key force behind PLDT’s title run, echoed the mindset of a team hungry for more.

“There’s no added pressure. This is a new conference with new teams, so we’re going to go back to training, work hard, and bring the same confidence we had from the On Tour. It’s a fresh start, and we’re focused on showing up strong.”

The Invitational gets a major international boost with the return of Japan’s Kurashiki Ablaze, the 2023 champions hungry to reclaim their crown, and the debuting Kobe Shinwa University squad.

Kurashiki will open its campaign on Saturday against Kobe Shinwa, which looks to finally make an impact after pulling out of last year’s tournament due to health concerns back home.

For Chery Tiggo veteran Aby Maraño, the Invitational is a valuable learning opportunity, especially with their current roster still adjusting.

“We’re treating this as a chance to grow by playing against top-tier guest teams. These teams are really strong, so we’re committed to continuous learning,” she said. “Our team core is still evolving, so we need to work even harder to find out what else we can bring after the On Tour.”

PLDT and Chery Tiggo collide at 6:30 p.m., right after the 4 p.m. opening-day battle between Creamline and Cignal—two teams equally determined to launch their short-conference campaign with a statement win.

The Cool Smashers, who dominated Cignal to claim third place in the On Tour, also happen to be the defending Invitational champions. Their five-set triumph over the HD Spikers in last year’s heart-stopping finale completed a historic Grand Slam and gave them their 10th PVL title overall.

But the competition has only gotten tougher.

PLDT now holds a championship pedigree. Kurashiki is back with vengeance on its mind. Kobe Shinwa is eager to prove it belongs. And Chery Tiggo and Cignal, both talented and fueled by hunger, are poised to make serious title runs.

What’s shaping up is a wild, unpredictable race in a short, high-stakes conference where momentum can shift instantly and no team can afford a misstep. The top two teams after the single-round elimination will dispute the championship.

With battle-tested squads, rising stars, and powerhouse guest teams all eyeing the crown, fans can expect a frenetic finish and fireworks from the very first serve to the last point.