TWO pivotal matches that could possibly shake up the semifinal landscape as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries near their conclusion today at the Philsports Arena.

PetroGazz and Cignal square off at 4 p.m. while PLDT and Chery Tiggo face-off at 6 p.m. in what promises to be an evening of intense volleyball action.

The showdown between the High Speed Hitters and the Crossovers is poised to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams are riding significant winning streaks with PLDT securing five straight wins and Chery Tiggo enjoying a four-game run, including notable wins over strong semis contenders like Creamline, PetroGazz and Cignal.

While wins in these matches won’t guarantee a semifinal spot, all teams are eager to strengthen their bids as they head into the final stretch of the elimination round of the season-opening conference.

With a 7-1 record, the High Speed Hitters seek to join idle Choco Mucho at the top while the Crossovers, tied with the Angels at fourth with 6-2 slates, hope to solidify their own position.

In sixth place with a 5-3 mark, the HD Spikers cannot afford any missteps if they want to go deeper this conference.

All eyes will be also on Thursday’s match-up between the Cool Smashers, who are in solo third at 7-2, and the 8-1 Flying Titans in a rematch of last year’s Finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

But the focus first is Tuesday’s explosive doubleheader.

The clash between these two talented squads will undoubtedly be a test of strategy and execution with PLDT showcasing players led by Savi Davison, while Chery Tiggo is also full of artillery behind Mylene Paat and Eya Laure.

The PetroGazz-Cignal faceoff, on the other hand, is expected to set the tone for the evening.

The Angels, buoyed by a recent five-set victory over the Cool Smashers, will be spearheaded by Brooke Van Sickle.

Cignal, on the other hand, seeks redemption after a shutout loss to Chery Tiggo last week.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado