HOPING to set aside last season’s heartbreak, PLDT bring an intact roster to face off against the defensive-minded Nxled side today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.

Led by Fil-Canadian Savi Davison, whose return adds depth and power to their offense, the High Speed Hitters are expected to capitalize on their roster stability and teamwork.

Davison, along with returning Dell Palomata, Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes, Erika Santos and Jovie Prado, bring a formidable lineup that has had time to develop strong team chemistry.

Although Kim Kianna Dy’s availability remains uncertain due to an injury, PLDT is confident in its ability to execute a well-rounded offensive and defensive game to remain as one of the elite teams.

The High Speed Hitters and the Chameleons clash at 4 p.m. to open today’s doubleheader.

A restructured Chery Tiggo squad clashes with a rejuvenated Capital1 team at 6:30 p.m.

The winners will join opening day winners Akari and PetroGazz for the early lead.

In the Reinforced Conference, PLDT put up a fight despite playing without Davison before losing to eventual runner-up Akari in a controversial semifinal.

Now handled by Italian coach Ettore Guidetti, Nxled gearing up to present an impenetrable defensive front.

After placing eighth in the last All-Filipino and 10th in the Reinforced Conference, Guidetti’s revamped strategy emphasizes defense for the Chameleons, who acquired setter Ivy Perez and Jaycel delos Reyes during the off-season.

With players like May Luna, Lycha Ebon and Jaila Atienza who are committed to tenacious digs and efficient passing, Nxled aims to wear down its opponents by making scoring challenging on every play.

“The team is a defensive one, so I don’t need to spend too much time on that,” said Guidetti. “They love to dig. Normally, it’s difficult to score on the first attempt against my team, so right now we’re trying to raise the bar in other areas.”

Meanwhile, the Crossovers face a rebuilding phase after the departure of stars EJ Laure and defensive ace Buding Duremdes, while Eya Laure, one of the team’s main offensive options, is about to miss the season-opening conference due to contract issues.

Now under the guidance of head coach Norman Miguel, who led National University to a UAAP title, Chery Tiggo focused on regaining a winning rhythm with a blend of veterans, including Mylene Paat, Aby Maraño and Ara Galang.

Miguel aims for a paced approach, emphasizing health and sustainability over the season’s length.

“Conservatively, I want to manage expectations,” said Miguel. “I’m happy if we make it to the Final Four and build from there. The season is long, and I want to prioritize the players’ health. We’ll take it slow and find the right timing for us to peak.”

The Solar Spikers, on the other hand, are determined to prove to win matches without Marina Tushova, the high-scoring Russian spiker who carried the young club to the Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.

Capital1, which fell short in its breakthrough semifinal stint after losing to Cignal in five sets, is banking on a balanced mix of seasoned players and promising talent.

Jorelle Singh, Shola Alvarez and setter Iris Tolenada are expected to lead the charge, supported by rookies Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal, as well as Des Clemente, who was a revelation for the Solar Spikers in the previous conference.

Games today

(Philsports Arena)
4 p.m. – PLDT vs Nxled
6:30 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs Capital1

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado