From a prelims phase filled with reversals and surprise results, the PVL On Tour is set to raise the stakes even higher as it transitions into a do-or-die knockout stage – a stretch expected to deliver more drama, unpredictability and thrilling volleyball action all the way to the finals.
The crossover matchups may initially pit higher-seeded squads against lower-ranked opponents, but rankings won’t guarantee results. In this high-pressure phase, where every match is a virtual final, even the winless teams have a shot at redemption – turning each playdate into must-watch volleyball.
On paper, the Foxies and Crossovers look poised to dominate, but with the Solar Spikers and Highrisers hungry for a breakthrough, the matches are expected to be closer than the standings suggest.
Capital1, despite a winless run in the prelims, showed flashes of brilliance, with Sydney Niegos, Rovena Instrella, Rachel Austero and Shola Alvarez all putting in strong performances. They now hope to turn those setbacks into a long-awaited breakthrough.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh, still stinging from a straight-set loss to Nxled in their last prelims outing, looks to bounce back with confidence under Italian coach Alessandro Lodi. Leading the charge are Trisha Tubu, Jolina dela Cruz, Rizza Cruz veteran Rachel Ann Daquis, and rookie playmaker Alohi Robins-Hardy.
Chery Tiggo also seeks to regain form after back-to-back losses, including a five-set heartbreaker to ZUS Coffee. But coach Norman Miguel remains confident in his battle-tested roster featuring Cess Robles, Ara Galang, Imee Hernandez, Aby Maraño and Shaya Adorador, alongside dynamic rookies Renee Peñafiel and Jyne Soreño.
Galeries Tower, while struggling through the prelims with only one set win in five games, is hoping for a fresh start. Frances Ronquillo, Ysa Jimenez and Jewel Encarnacion, with support from promising rookie Jean Asis, could spring a surprise if they finally click as a unit when it counts the most.
The knockout excitement continues Tuesday (Aug. 5), with Petro Gazz (No. 4, Pool A) battling Akari (No. 5, Pool B) at 4 p.m., followed by ZUS Coffee (No. 4, Pool B) clashing with Choco Mucho (No. 5, Pool A).
These matches will determine the final four squads to join PLDT, Cignal, Nxled, and Creamline – the top four teams with outright slots – in the Last 8.
While the seeded teams return from a well-earned break, they will face energized but battle-hardened rivals coming off emotional, energy-draining knockout wins – setting the stage for even more intense clashes in the quarterfinals and beyond.
Every game from here on is a battle for survival, making this stage of the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision even more electrifying, as the race to the crown turns into an all-out, unpredictable sprint.
