PASSI, Philippines – On Saturday in Passi City, the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference concludes its preliminary round with two crucial games that could have a big impact on the elimination stage. Since the qualifying stage has several conceivable outcomes, every set—and even every point—could be important in deciding the final seedings.

The ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles (4-6), a team that is desperate to upset the rankings despite their lower rating, will play the PLDT High Speed Hitters (8-3) at 4 p.m. at the City of Passi Arena in an attempt to strengthen their hold on the No. 4 slot.

The outcome of the decisive preliminary game between Chery Tiggo Crossovers (5-5) and Choco Mucho Flying Titans (7-3) could change the middle-tier playoff pairings.

After shocking defending champions Creamline in a thrilling five-set battle that ended the Cool Smashers’ 19-game winning streak, PLDT comes into the contest on a high note. With momentum on their side, Majoy Baron, Fiolaa Ceballos, Mika Reyes, Erika Santos, and Savi Davison—who just had a career-high 34-point explosion—should put on another strong showing.

“Siguro ‘yung tulong nitong (panalo), meron na kaming baon na nakapag-perform kami sa big games. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung pinaka importante, saka ‘yung tiwala at bilib na laya makipagsabayan talaga,” Rald Ricafort of the PLDT High Speed Hitters

A great finish could provide ZUS Coffee a psychological boost going into the qualifiers, but an upset would not significantly alter their No. 9 standing. To take on the more seasoned PLDT team, coach Jerry Yee will turn to Chai Troncoso, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Kate Santiago, Michelle Gamit, and exceptional youngster Thea Gagate.

The matchup between Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo is the most questionable because the outcome could have a significant impact on the rankings. The Flying Titans will probably secure in at No. 5 if Choco Mucho wins, allowing them to face the No. 6 Crossovers in a knockout stage matchup.

A Chery Tiggo win, on the other hand, may significantly alter the rankings, moving them up to No. 6 and possibly changing the playoff matchups, guaranteeing Iloilo supporters a thrilling weekend show.

To carry out their aggressive offensive playstyle, Choco Mucho will rely on Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Maika Ortiz, and Royse Tubino. In the meantime, Chery Tiggo will need Ara Galang, Pauline Gaston, Julia Samonte, Cess Robles, and Aby Maraña in order to make the most of their extended period of rest and arrive in a fresh and prepared state.

‘Yung panalo na ‘yun para sa placement at para sa magiging mentality namin kailangan namin constantly. “We need motivation to get through the playoffs,” Flying Titans head coach Dante Alinsunurin stated.

In the meantime, the bracket will probably match up No. 4 PLDT against No. 7 Chery Tiggo and No. 5 Choco Mucho against No. 6 ZUS Coffee if PLDT and Choco Mucho prevail.

Chery Tiggo advances to No. 6 and faces No. 7 in the KO round if PLDT and Chery Tiggo prevail.

The seedings may change even further if ZUS Coffee and Chery Tiggo both prevail, creating a whole different knockout pairing.

There is still no doubt that every team will be giving it their all before the crucial qualifying round at the Philsports Arena in Pasig next Thursday, not only to improve their positioning but also to build confidence and momentum.

The top three seeds, Creamline, Petro Gazz, and Cignal, have secured their spots in the knockout stage, respectively. The Angels will face the No. 11 Capital1 Solar Spikers, the Cool Smashers will face the No. 12 Nxled Chameleons, and the HD Spikers will face the No. 10 Galeries Tower Highrisers.

Quick trivia on the ZUS Coffee brand – Since its founding in Malaysia in 2019 by Ian Chua and Venon Tian, ZUS Coffee has grown to over 360 locations, including locations in Brunei and the Philippines. The brand’s name blends the words “zeal” and “us,” and Kaldi, the Ethiopian shepherd associated with the discovery of coffee, is featured in its logo.