PLDT and Choco Mucho fight for semifinal survival Thursday, Nov. 17, as they battle heavyweight rivals in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The High Speed Hitters collide with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 2:30 p.m. while the Flying Titans square off with sister team Creamline Cool Smashers at 5:30 p.m. with high hopes of keeping their semis bid alive.
Toting a 3-4 win-loss mark, PLDT seeks to close its campaign on a high note while still relying on the fates of Petro Gazz (4-2), Choco Mucho (3-3), F2 Logistics (3-3) and Cignal (3-3).
Only two semis berths are left to be contested with Chery Tiggo and Creamline already advancing to the next phase.
And PLDT coach George Pascua is not losing hope they can still grab one of the remaining slots.
“Lagi kong nire-remind sa kanila, keep fighting. Don’t stop,” said Pascua.
PLDT is coming off back-to-back wins over Akari and Cignal that fueled its semis bid with Elena Samoilenko at the forefront of its charge.
The Russian outside hitter has been the team’s offensive weapon after firing 47 points in their last two matches.
Pascua also casts his eyes on Mika Reyes and Dell Palomata with veteran setter Rhea Dimaculangan out to provide a variety of plays for their spikes.
Though already in the semis, Chery Tiggo, meanwhile, is expected not to take this game lightly as it aims to end the elims on a bright note and improve its 5-2 record.
Like PLDT, Choco Mucho faces a crucial situation as it hopes to improve its 3-3 slate at fourth place.
The Flying Titans will parade Odina Aliyeva, Kat Tolentino and Jem Ferrer against the Cool Smashers’ deep lineup spearheaded by Yeliz Basa, Alyssa Valdez and Jema Galanza.