A SHORTHANDED Chery Tiggo side hopes to make it out what’s left on its roster as it plays debuting PLDT Home Fibr in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Already without main gunner Dindin Santiago-Manabat, the Crossovers missed Alina Bicar, EJ Laure, Justine Dorog and libero Buding Duremdes, who all entered health and safety protocols prior to last Saturday’s conference opener.

“Ang laking kawalan nung mga dapat na nakalagay na tao namin, so yung palitan ng tao sobrang limited lang talaga,” said coach Aying Esteban after Chery Tiggo was swept by Choco Mucho, 21-25, 21-25, 23-25.

With the four players’ status remain uncertain in their 2:30 p.m. duel with the High Speed Hitters , Esteban is still upbeat that the remaining players led by Jasmine Nabor, Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, Maika Ortiz and second libero Julia Angeles can hold the fort.

Creamline and PetroGazz get the chance to test each other’s mettle in a rematch of the Open Conference championship series at 5:30 p.m..

Esteban, who took over from Aaron Velez as Chery Tiggo coach during the conference break, wanted his troops to focus on the things that they can control which is to remain consistent every time they step onto the court.

“Kung ie-evaluate ko naman, okay naman yung galawan namin. Nag-improve naman yung team compared sa simula,” said Esteban, referring to the Crossovers’ third set gallant stand before bowing to the Flying Titans.

“Nandoon yung galaw, nandoon yung atake, yung consistency lang medyo nawawala kami doon, medyo bumibigay kami sa consistency ng laro,” he added.

PLDT, for its part, is itching to kick off its campaign on a winning note.

“We’re looking forward to this conference with a revamped squad. But hopefully, we’ll be spared of injuries and stay healthy throughout,” said Mika Reyes, who will take turns with Dell Palomata in the middle.

The Cool Smashers will welcome Michelle Gumabao back in the fold after taking a leave in the previous conference, while adding middle blocker Lorie Bernardo to bolster its frontline led by Ced Domingo and Risa Sato.

Creamline remains formidable with the trio of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza leading the charge, and ace setter Jia Morado-De Guzman orchestratung plays.

The Angels are also coming into the conference brimming with confidence, plunging into deep training during the break and continue to become one of the title contenders.

“With an intact lineup, we focused on the players’ conditioning during the break,” said PetroGazz’s Arnold Laniog, who is expected to handle to squad for the meantime as the club’s head mentor Jerry Yee is focusing on College of Saint Benilde’s title bid in the NCAA.

Middle blocker Marian Buitre was the Angels’ lone addition to a solid roster led by veteran setter Chie Saet, Grethcel Soltones, Jonah Sabete, MJ Phillips, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Remy Palma.