PLDT eyes solo PVL lead, Choco Mucho targets third straight win as prelim action resumes

Momentum will be on the line when the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference resumes Tuesday at the FilOil Playtime Centre, with PLDT and Choco Mucho both looking to build on their recent surge.

The High Speed Hitters and the Flying Titans enter the day with renewed confidence after strong performances in their previous matches, but each will have to navigate opponents desperate to reverse their fortunes before the preliminary round winds down.

PLDT, currently holding a 5-1 record, has a chance to seize the solo lead when it squares off with the Galeries Tower Highrisers in the 4 p.m. opener.

A victory would push the High Speed Hitters past sister team Cignal at the top of the standings as the race toward the closing stretch of the single-round preliminaries tightens.

The High Speed Hitters bounced back strongly after seeing their three-game winning streak halted by the Super Spikers. They responded with a dominant straight-sets win over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles before grinding out a five-set victory against the Farm Fresh Foxies.

That stretch highlighted the depth that has made PLDT one of the most formidable squads in the conference.

Savi Davison and Kim Dy remain the focal points of the attack, while middle blockers Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron continue to provide a strong presence at the net. The High Speed Hitters also benefit from a deep supporting cast that includes Jessey de Leon, Alleiah Malaluan, Jovie Prado, and Kiesha Bedonia.

Still, PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort stressed that rankings mean little in a league where any team can rise on a given day.

“Well, ang mindset naman this conference regardless kung sino kalaban, kung ano ‘man yung ranking nila, wala na magiging basis eh kung ano yung magiging laro,” said Ricafort.

“Kita nyo naman yung kanina, kita nyo rin yung ibang games, kahit sino talaga so ang nagiging challenge ko nalang talaga sa players regardless ng results mabilis mag-move on and magprepare ulit sa susunod na laro,” he added.

Galeries Tower, which holds a 2-4 record, will be eager to halt a two-game skid after absorbing losses to Choco Mucho and Creamline. The Highrisers previously pulled off a surprise victory against Nxled and remain capable of challenging stronger teams.

Coach Clarence Esteban is expected to rely on key contributors such as Jean Asis, Aiza Pontillas, Erika Deloria, Roselle Baliton, Erika Raagas, Gayle Pascual, Lycha Ebon, and setter Julia Coronel to keep the match competitive.

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HIGH SPEED HITTERS SEEK SOLO LEAD VS HIGHRISERS!

: PLDT HOME FIBER vs. GALERIES TOWER
: First serve is at 4:00 p.m.
: https://t.co/x7uQkL6Yx9

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live
: https://t.co/ihdl9Qn3VC#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/xICZUOFrs6

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) March 9, 2026

CRUCIAL CLASH TO STAY WITHIN TOP 4 RANGE!

: FARM FRESH vs. CHOCO MUCHO
: First serve is at 6:30 p.m.
: https://t.co/x7uQkL6Yx9

Watch the games on:
: One Sports | One Sports+
: Pilipinas Live
: https://t.co/ihdl9Qn3VC#PVL2026 | #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/Nm5q882spo

— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) March 9, 2026

In the evening showdown at 6:30 p.m., Choco Mucho hopes to keep its own surge going when it faces Farm Fresh.

The Flying Titans appear to have rediscovered their rhythm after dealing with injuries in past conferences. Their recent form has been fueled by the scoring partnership of Sisi Rondina and Eya Laure, whose consistent production has lifted the team to fourth place in the standings.

Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin emphasized that the team must continue putting in the work to maintain its momentum.

“Siyempre tatrabahuhin ulit namin. Ibibigay namin sa mga players namin kung ano ‘yung dapat naming gawin,” said Alinsunurin.

Farm Fresh, however, has proven to be far from an easy opponent.

Despite back-to-back losses — both coming in five-set battles — the Foxies have shown the ability to push contenders to the limit. Trisha Tubu remains one of the league’s most dangerous scorers and will again lead the offense alongside Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Mylene Paat, Riri Meneses, Rizza Cruz, and Jolina Dela Cruz. Veteran Ara Galang could also see increased minutes as the team searches for a breakthrough.

With the top four teams advancing directly to the Qualifying Round, every result carries significant weight as the fight for positioning intensifies.

For PLDT and Choco Mucho, the goal is clear — keep the momentum alive. But with their opponents equally motivated to change their trajectory, Tuesday’s twin bill promises to be anything but straightforward.

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