PVL Prelims End With High-Stakes Matches in Iloilo

Games today (Saturday, Iloilo City)
4 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs. PLDT
6:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs. Choco Mucho

The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference wraps up its preliminary round today in Iloilo City with two pivotal matches that could reshape the knockout stage.

With multiple playoff scenarios in play, every set—and even every point—could impact the final seedings.

At 4 p.m. at the City of Passi Arena, the PLDT High Speed Hitters (8-3) aim to secure the No. 4 seed as they face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (4-6). Despite being out of contention, ZUS Coffee is determined to shake up the standings.

The 6:30 p.m. showdown between the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (7-3) and the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-5) is a toss-up, with the result potentially altering the mid-tier playoff matchups.

PLDT enters the match riding the momentum of a five-set thriller that snapped defending champion Creamline’s 19-game win streak. With Savi Davison coming off a career-high 34-point performance, alongside Majoy Baron, Fiolaa Ceballos, Mika Reyes, and Erika Santos, the High Speed Hitters are looking for another statement win.

“Maybe, with the help of this win, we now have something to carry with us, proving that we can perform in big games. That is really the most important thing, along with the trust and confidence that we can truly compete,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort.

For ZUS Coffee, an upset won’t change their No. 9 ranking, but a strong finish could boost their confidence heading into the qualifiers. Coach Jerry Yee will rely on Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit, and standout rookie Thea Gagate to challenge PLDT’s firepower.

The Choco Mucho-Chery Tiggo matchup carries major implications. A Choco Mucho win would likely lock them at No. 5, setting up a knockout-round clash against No. 6 Chery Tiggo.

However, a Chery Tiggo victory could shake up the standings, possibly pushing them to No. 6 and reshuffling the playoff pairings, setting up a thrilling finale for Iloilo fans.

Choco Mucho will bank on Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz, and Royse Tubino to execute their aggressive attack. Meanwhile, Chery Tiggo looks to Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles, and Aby Maraño to capitalize on their extended rest.

“Of course, we really needed that win for our placement and mindset. It will serve as our motivation so that when we reach the playoffs, we will have confidence,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin after their five-set win over the Nxled Chameleons on Feb. 13.

If PLDT and Choco Mucho win, the bracket will likely feature No. 4 PLDT vs. No. 7 Chery Tiggo and No. 5 Choco Mucho vs. No. 6 ZUS Coffee.

If PLDT and Chery Tiggo win, Chery Tiggo moves to No. 6, facing No. 7 in the knockout round.

If both Chery Tiggo and ZUS Coffee win, the seedings could shift further, leading to an entirely different set of matchups.

One thing is certain: Every team will be all in, not just for better positioning but also to build momentum for the do-or-die qualifying round next Thursday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Meanwhile, Creamline, Petro Gazz, and Cignal have secured the top three seeds. The Cool Smashers will face No. 12 Nxled Chameleons, the Angels will take on No. 11 Capital1 Solar Spikers, and the HD Spikers will battle No. 10 Galeries Tower Highrisers.