By Will Imperial
PLDT and Choco Mucho are set to display their prowess as they take on Galeries Tower and Nxled, respectively, in the second elimination playdate of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City today (Thursday).
Even in the absence of their injured top middle, Mika Reyes, for the entire season, the High Speed Hitters remain determined to uphold their formidable presence.
This commitment is reinforced by the addition of Majoy Baron to the team’s rotation, complementing players such as Dell Palomata, Jessey de Leon, and Rachel Austero.
“Sakto naman nga kasi si Majoy (Baron) naman ‘yung pumalit, so kahit papaano kung hindi ‘man better pa, okay naman din. Tapos nandun pa naman si (Jessey) De Leon at (Rachel) Austero,” said PLDT head coach Rald Ricafort, whose wards placed fifth in the second AFC last year.
After finishing second-to-last in the 12-team field in their last outing, the Highrisers are poised for improvement, especially with former NCAA MVP Shola Alvarez and Roma Joy Doromal leading the team’s charge at 3 p.m. as they face the High Speed Hitters.
In contrast, last conference’s finalist, Choco Mucho, is fully prepared for its clash with Nxled at 5 p.m.
Reigning MVP and prolific player Sisi Rondina, while mindful of the competition, underscored the team’s dedication to hard work and Coach Dante Alinsunurin’s guidance.
She also recognized the unpredictable nature of the conference.
“Wala kaming expectations kasi ang daming teams,” Rondina said.
“Sabi nga, bilog ang bola. Hindi natin malalaman kung ano ‘yung takbo ng conference ngayon pero sisiguraduhin po namin na magta-trabaho kami at siyempre ipapakita po namin kung ano ‘yung mga itinuturo ni coach Dante (Alinsunurin),” said Rondina, who will be backstopped by twin towers Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino.
