CHOCO Mucho tests the mettle of Chery Tiggo in what promises to be a riveting battle in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.

Sisi Rondina hopes that her connection with the Flying Titans new setter Mars Alba will work wonders in their 6 p.m. clash with the Crossovers, as they gun for a third straight win.

“I just told Mars to lift her head. If I’m in front, don’t worry if I make a mistake; it’s not your fault,” said Rondina, who had 24 points and 22 receptions in Choco Mucho’s 24-26, 25-22, 25-18, 24-26, 15-13 win over PetroGazz last Tuesday.

Alba, a recent addition to following the disbandment of F2 Logistics, showcased her skills with 25 excellent sets in the win against the Angels which led to a balanced scoring effort, with five Flying Titans players reaching double digits.

While Alba recognizes her ongoing adjustment to the team, the former La Salle standout acknowledges the need to catch up and synchronize with Choco Mucho’s established system under coach Dante Alinsunurin.

“I’m getting used to it, but I still feel lacking because I really need to catch up. I’m the only new one inside, so I need to catch up with their system and movements inside and connect more,” Alba said.

Chery Tiggo is also undefeated in two games, as it also goes all out for the top spot in a match that not only decides the leader but also provides a crucial psychological edge and momentum in the competitive preliminaries of the season-opening conference.

Fireworks are also expected to erupt in the 4 p.m. face-off between PLDT and PetroGazz, the first meeting between Fil-Canadian hitter Savi Davison and Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle.

The High Speed Hitters are also aiming for a third consecutive victory and a share of the lead, while the Angels are looking to rebound from a tough five-set defeat to the Flying Titans last Tuesday.

Ushering in the explosive Saturday triple-bill is the Cignal-Galeries Tower match at 2 p.m.

Playing their only second match of the season, the HD Spikers are tipped to log their second straight victory against the Highrisers, who succumbed to the High Speed Hitters in three sets last Feb. 22.

Despite the Crossovers’s dominant performances against the league’s two new clubs, their real worth will be tested against the formidable Flying Titans in a clash of firepower and defensive skills.

Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes places his faith in the team’s core, led by Mylene Paat and setter Alina Bicar.