PVL playoff implications abound for PLDT in clash vs Strong Group

Savi Davison (background, right) banners the PLDT offense in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. —AUGUST DELA CRUZ

Streaking PLDT is fancied to extend its run against hapless Strong Group on Tuesday as the High Speed Hitters aim to grab a piece of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference elimination round lead and inch gain some headway from other teams chasing semifinal seats.

The winners of their last four games, the High Speed Hitters are not expected to encounter much trouble from the Athletics in their 6 p.m. match at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, and PLDT would want this to be short and quick considering its next opponents lined up.

PLDT will have Chery Tiggo, Cignal and then defending champion Creamline to close out its elimination round schedule, and considering how tight the race for playoff seats has been, the High Speed Hitters would need this match against the Athletics.

SCHEDULE: PVL All-Filipino Conference 2024

The High Speed Hitters face Chery Tiggo on April 16, mix it up with Cignal on April 20 before colliding with Creamline on April 25.

A sweep would definitely serve PLDT well as it can avoid being dragged into a tiebreak to determine the last semifinal qualifiers. Choco Mucho also leads the PVL points race with 21 followed by Petro Gazz with 19. Creamline has 18 points, PLDT 17, Cignal 16 and Chery Tiggo 14.

Savi Davison will again lead the PLDT attack as the High Speed Hitters shoot for a share of the lead with Choco Mucho at 7-1 and gain some breathing room with the Cool Slashers and Petro Gazz at 6-2.

The race was muddled up when the Angels pulled out a marathon five-set win over the Cool Smashers over the weekend and dragged Creamline into a situation it has practically never been in before, and that is being in danger of missing the semifinals.