CIGNAL and Choco Mucho clash for a share of the lead, while PetroGazz shoots for a third straight win against a dangerous Farm Fresh side today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.

Both sporting similar 3-0 records, the HD Spikers-Flying Titans encounter promises to be one of the most intriguing duels in the preliminaries.

The winner of the 6 p.m. match will join defending champion Creamline, which has a perfect 4-0 card, on top of the standings.

The 4 p.m. clash between the Angels and the Foxies also generates a lot of interest.

After dropping a heartbreaking five-set loss to Choco Mucho, PetroGazz has won two in a row for a 3-1 slate in a tie with PLDT in fourth place.

Cignal, bolstered by seasoned players like Ces Molina, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses, Rose Doria and Vanie Gandler and setter Gel Cayuna, has further strengthened its defensive backline with its biggest off-season signee Dawn Catindig.

The Flying Titans remained formidable behind reigning MVP Sisi Rondina, Kat Tolentino, Isa Molde, Cherry Nunag and Maddie Madayag.

Mars Alba and Deanna Wong are taking turns for Choco Mucho’s playmaking chores, depending on the situation, with the league’s leading digger Thang Ponce doing what she does best in keeping the ball flying.

The face-off is expected to deliver a high-intensity showdown between two early contenders, where execution, particularly down the stretch, will be a crucial factor.

While the experience of PetroGazz might give itself a slight advantage, Farm Fresh will enter the match bristling with confidence, buoyed by last Sunday’s stunning 25-23, 25-22, 25-16 triumph of Chery Tiggo.

Brooke Van Sickle has seamlessly integrated into Japanese coach Koji Tsuzurabara’s system, firing 23 and 24 points in their last two matches.

Jonah Sabete has been thriving too in the PetroGazz’s new system, while Remy Palma, Aiza Pontillas, KC Galdones and Myla Pablo have also been delivering consistent performances for the two-time Reinforced Conference champions.

The Angels’ veteran setters Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng will have their hands full on the Foxies’ rising playmaker Louie Romero.

Trisha Tubu, Chinnie Arroyo, Rizza Cruz, Alyssa Bertolano and Kate Santiago have been solid this season for Farm Fresh, thanks to the way Romero activates them in every game.