CHOCO Mucho and PLDT aim to match Creamline’s lead as the two preseason favorites go up against separate opponents at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena today.

Both teams are riding high from their straight-set victories over separate foes before the break and are looking to solidify their semifinal aspirations.

The Flying Titans and the High Speed Hitters are in joint second at 5-1, just behind the Cool Smashers’ league-best 6-1 record.

Choco Mucho remains a top favorite despite Galeries Tower’s modest two-match winning streak at 6 p.m., while PLDT is bracing for a tough match against Akari in the 4 p.m. curtain raisers.

Powered by reigning MVP Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino, the Flying Titans made quick work of the Flying Titans, 25-17, 25-22, 25-21, last March 23 to rebound from a tough 20-25, 12-25, 25-23, 25-11, 13-15 defeat to the High Speed Hitters that ended their four-match winning run.

Graze Bombita, meanwhile, has been solid in the Highrisers’ surge to keep their slim semis hopes alive.

Coming off victories over debutants Capital1 and Strong Group Athletics, coach Lerma Giron has highlighted Galeries Tower’s focus on addressing the club’s needs and making the necessary adjustments, which has paid off.

Bombita, the Highrisers’ leading scorer, is determined to keep her momentum going, drawing strength from her teammates and coaches’ support and belief in their strategy.

Meanwhile, PLDT is coming off a 25-9, 25-13, 25-21 rout of Farm that extended its winning run to three matches last March 23.

Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, the league’s fourth leading scorer behind PetroGazz’s Brooke Van Sickle, Creamline’s Tots Carlos and Rondina, is expected to carry the offensive load, as her connection with setter Kim Fajardo is getting there.

“I think I’ve been preaching it all conference long, I just want to be the go-to. I just want to be the person that people can rely on so I’m happy that I’m becoming more confident in that role,” said Davison.

“I think we just need to show up and just not be complacent like coach said. We’re just doing our jobs, making it simple, and just controlling our side of the court,” she added.

The Chargers, who are tied with the Foxies and the Highrisers at 2-4, are still in the hunt but the Grethcel Soltones-led squad cannot afford any missteps from now on.