In a showdown between a team that has dominated with clinical precision and another that thrives in adversity, all eyes are on unbeaten PLDT as it squares off with a gritty underdog ZUS Coffee side in a do-or-die quarterfinal encounter in the PVL On Tour on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
The High Speed Hitters have steamrolled through the competition, winning all five of their matches in the prelims while dropping just a single set. Their fluid offense, suffocating defense and enviable depth have made them the benchmark of consistency and control in this pre-season showcase organized by Sports Vision.
Opposite them stands ZUS Coffee – the Thunderbelles – whose path to the Last 8 has been anything but smooth. Regularly pushed to the brink, they’ve gone the full route five times and emerged victorious in four of those grueling five-setters, including a dramatic come-from-behind win against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans just last Tuesday after falling two sets behind.
Meanwhile, Cignal, which secured the No. 2 seed in the Last 8 phase, takes on Akari at 4 p.m., armed with a well-rested and recalibrated lineup eager to launch a strong semifinal push.
The Chargers, coming off a dominant victory over the depleted Petro Gazz Angels, banked on the impressive playmaking of rookie setter Bea Bonafe and a powerful frontline led by Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud and Grethcel Soltones. The trio combined for a dynamic offensive thrust that overwhelmed the defending All-Filipino Conference champions, also last Tuesday.
The HD Spikers, on the other hand, swept their first three matches in pool play before bouncing back from a loss with a victory over the Thunderbelles to advance directly to the quarters. That early qualification gave Cignal the luxury of rest and preparation – crucial advantages in a knockout stage where consistency, chemistry and mental fortitude will define the contenders.
Coach Shaq delos Santos has artfully integrated seasoned campaigners with fresh talent to build a deep and dangerous squad. Key acquisition Erika Santos has been a revelation, quickly adapting to delos Santos’ system and delivering standout performances – highlighted by her 30-point outburst against the Thunderbelles.
She has found alliance with Ishie Lalongisip, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Jacqueline Acuña, Heather Guino-o and veteran setter Gel Cayuna, while rookie Erin Pangilinan and another recruit Tin Tiamzon continue to provide energy and scoring off the bench.
Still, the Chargers are no easy prey.
Their emphatic win over the Angels signaled a team peaking at the right time. Lacsina, Soyud and Soltones form one of the most explosive attacking trios in the league, while Ezra Madrigal and Ced Domingo bring muscle and mobility to the middle. Add to that the versatility of Camille Victoria, Steph Bustrillo and rookie Chenie Tagaod – each capable of making an impact – and Akari looms as a dangerous opponent in this high-stakes matchup.
This clash could serve as a thrilling prelude – but the spotlight might soon shift to a looming main event at 6:30 p.m. – unbeaten PLDT vs resilient ZUS Coffee.
With an imposing frontline anchored by Majoy Baron, Mika Reyes and Kim Dy, the High Speed Hitters have turned the net into a no-fly zone, consistently frustrating opponents with their impenetrable blocks. Setter Kim Fajardo has had the luxury of distributing the ball to a host of reliable scorers, enabling the offense to flow freely from all angles.
Backing up the frontline is the ever-reliable Kath Arado, who leads one of the stingiest floor defenses in the tournament. Support comes from multi-role players like Kiesha Bedonia and Jovie Prado, whose balanced mix of offense and defense further fortifies PLDT’s court presence.
And with the likes of Jessey de Leon and Prado ready to sub in and maintain the rhythm, coach Rald Ricafort commands one of the deepest rotations in the league.
Even more concerning for opponents is the looming return of Savi Davison – a potential game-changer whose explosive form could widen the gap even further between PLDT and the rest of the field.
ZUS Coffee, meanwhile, has made a reputation for itself as the league’s ultimate escape artists. While the High Speed Hitters have coasted through straight-set wins, the Thunderbelles have battled and clawed their way through extended matches, showing resilience that borders on defiance.
The heart of that fight is Chinnie Arroyo, whose 101-point haul in six games has defined ZUS Coffee’s offensive identity. With Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrating plays from the setter spot, and seasoned veterans like Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso stepping up during high-pressure moments, the Thunderbelles have discovered a formula that blends experience with youthful tenacity.
Kate Santiago and Fiola Ceballos have served as key contributors, especially when Arroyo rotates to the back or takes a breather. Veteran middle Maika Ortiz and rookie AC Miner have become central to ZUS Coffee’s interior presence, while another promising newcomer, Mycah Go, has earned increased trust and playing time, slowly evolving into a reliable weapon.
Their recent reverse sweep of the Flying Titans not only sealed their quarterfinal berth but also sent a strong message: ZUS Coffee flourishes when counted out.
While PLDT boasts polish, structure and dominance, ZUS Coffee banks on heart, hustle and unpredictability. The High Speed Hitters have the stats, the firepower and the pedigree. But the Thunderbelles have the hunger, the momentum and the belief that they can defy the odds one – or three more times.
Only one will advance in this expected nail-biter between a team that has barely been tested and one that has known no other way but to fight its way back from the brink. Will PLDT’s pristine run continue, or will ZUS Coffee pull off another stunner and further redefine what it means to survive and advance?
