It all comes down to preparation, strategy and the ability to stay composed when the pressure is at its peak. With teams hungry for a shot at the title, the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals promise to be an electrifying battle of resilience and determination.
In a shift from previous formats, the Last 8 phase introduces four best-of-three series, amplifying the excitement and making every match a test of endurance and adaptability. After a grueling single-round elimination, a gripping qualifying round and a dramatic Play-In tournament filled with upsets, no team enters the quarterfinals as a guaranteed favorite – every squad has proven capable of taking down a higher-ranked opponent.
One of the most compelling stories heading into the quarterfinals is Galeries Tower, which defied the odds by stunning Cignal to secure a spot in the Last 8. But their reward? A battle against Akari at 4 p.m., a team with experience on its side and a deep roster eager to impose its dominance.
"We still can't afford to be complacent. We wanted this, right? We're going up against the top seven? They know that, and we have to prove ourselves. We fought to reach this stage, and we know where we're headed in the next level—it's really very challenging," said Galeries Tower head coach Lerma Giron in Filipino.
The Chargers, who had to grind out a five-set thriller against the Farm Fresh Foxies, are slight favorites on paper, but the Highrisers have already proven they can dismantle bigger names.
Will Akari’s firepower, led by Grethcel Soltones, Ivy Lacsina and Faith Nisperos, prove too much? Or will Jewel Encarnacion, Ysa Jimenez and Julia Coronel continue Galeries Tower’s Cinderella run? The hunger is evident on both sides, so expect fireworks.
The 6:30 p.m. matchup between PLDT and Choco Mucho promises to be a showdown of pure grit. Both teams boast explosive players who can flip the momentum in an instant, making this series anything but predictable.
PLDT’s Savi Davison is coming off a career-high 34-point performance, proving she can carry the scoring load. But she won’t be alone – Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Majoy Baron, Dell Palomata and Mika Reyes are all ready to make their mark.
“These are just reminders for us that we need this. Our losses during the preliminaries against Choco gave us a big lesson, which is why we have reached this phase now,” said PLDT mentor Rald Ricafort in Filipino.
Choco Mucho, however, is no underdog. With Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Dindin Manabat, Royse Tubino and Cherry Nunag all capable of stepping up, the Flying Titans are more than equipped to match PLDT shot-for-shot.
The opener in a best-of-three series is often the most crucial. Win, and you take control. Lose, and you’re on the ropes. Neither team will hold back.
The other two quarterfinal series – Creamline vs. Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz vs. ZUS Coffee – kick off on Tuesday, adding more intrigue to an already thrilling quarterfinals.
No team is safe. No lead is secure. No match is predictable.
The PVL quarterfinals are here – and it’s anybody’s game.
