Perlas makes PVL debut, has Choco Mucho as foe

Choco Mucho Flying Titans. PVL MEDIA BUREAU

ILOCOS NORTE—Perlas finally gets to see action in the inaugural Premier Volleyball League’s (PVL) milestone staging, hoping to spin its zest into a winning start against Choco Mucho on Sunday as the Open Conference eliminations resumes at PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra.

“Now, we have a chance to fight,” the Perlas Spikers said in a post after being cleared to play last Thursday.

Bannered by Nicole Tiamzon, Cherry Nunag, Joy Doromal, Sue Roces, Jem Ferrer and Jellie Tempiatura, the Spikers are raring to pour it all out against the Flying Titans in their 4 p.m. encounter that is sandwiched by two equally explosive matches, marking the second week of the country’s first-ever pro volley league.

But much is also expected from a Choco Mucho side brimming with confidence after humbling Sta. Lucia in straight sets last Friday.

Choco Mucho coach Oliver Almadro said his young but talented crew is still in the learning process but has pointed out the importance of each game given the tight format.

Tournament format calls for the top four teams to advance to a crossover semifinals after a single round elimination that plays six days a week.

“Every game is a must-win. Every game we should be learning towards the next games,” said Almadro.

Perlas, despite its seasoned personnel, is expected to be rusty after being kept out of action.

Meanwhile, top meets bottom in the 1 p.m. opener as Creamline shoots for a fourth straight victory in its clash with PLDT Home Fibr, which is winless in three starts.

BaliPure hopes to ride the momentum of its shock five-set win over Chery Tiggo last Thursday when it battles Cignal HD at 7 p.m.

The Cool Smashers held off Sta. Lucia and Petro Gazz in four, then fought back from the brink to frustrate Army in five last Thursday, keeping them on track in the very same tournament they ruled in late 2019 before the pandemic disrupted play the following year.

In contrast, PLDT continues to struggle, and unless it could come up with an antidote to the power-hitting crew of Alyssa Valdez, Michele Gumabao and Jema Galanza, the Power Hitters could be in trouble again.

The Water Defenders, on the other hand, exude confidence after stopping the Crossovers as they face the HD Spikers, who are reeling from a straight-set defeat to the Angels last Friday.