Expect Thursday’s matches to not only match but surpass Tuesday’s intensity – bringing heightened thrill, deeper suspense and even greater unpredictability, amplified by what is expected to be a roaring crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With two coveted semifinal berths on the line, the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Qualifying Round reaches a boiling point as the top four teams from the grueling seven-week preliminaries clash in a pair of high-stakes duels.
Prelims topnotcher PLDT squares off with No. 4 Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while powerhouse rivals Creamline and Cignal renew their heated rivalry in the 6:30 p.m. nightcap in a rematch brimming with unfinished business after their recent five-set classic.
The Cool Smashers clawed their way into the Top 4 with grit and composure, escaping the volatility of the Play-In stage and preserving its direct path to the semis. But the 10-time champions know that past success offers no guarantees this time.
At the heart of their campaign is Alyssa Valdez, who delivered a sensational triple-double performance in their previous win over Cignal. Yet for Valdez, the mission goes beyond proving anything individually – it’s about reaffirming their presence among the league’s elite.
“I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we’re still here,” said Valdez. “I don’t think, parang if there’s something to motivate myself, ang hirap din to actually just think of other people.”
“So ngayon, parang ako, iniisip ko talaga, it’s a reminder na kaya pa. I’ll just do my part in practice at pag kailangan, tutulong tayo. It’s not more of trying to prove anything but trying to stick together and making sure sa sarili ko at sa team na magkakasama kami,” she added.
Top hitters Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza remain game-time decisions. But even if they do suit up, their form could still be a concern, potentially disrupting the team’s chemistry and the rotation that worked well in their last performance.
Still, Cignal, bannered by Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, enters with a chip on its shoulder. The Super Spikers are driven not only by redemption but by a growing belief that they can break through against the league’s most decorated squad. Their balanced attack, improved cohesion and hunger to win could tilt the scales in what promises to be another razor-thin contest.
In the other marquee pairing, PLDT faces a dangerous and fearless Farm Fresh side eager to complete its rise.
The High Speed Hitters may be the top seed, but they were pushed to the brink in their previous five-set encounter against the Foxies. That alone serves as a warning: Farm Fresh is no longer just a feel-good story – it’s a legitimate threat.
Leading the Foxies’ charge is top scorer Trisha Tubu, backed by a veteran core featuring Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat and Ara Galang. Their blend of experience and emerging chemistry has fueled their breakthrough run.
“Well, lahat naman ng teams nag-iimprove. Walang easy eam na sa tingin mong matatalo mo talaga. So talagang paghirapan mo,” said Molina, whose veteran presence and firepower – along with Tubino, Paat and Galang – have helped position the Foxies as the team most capable of shaking up the established order.
She emphasized that teamwork has been key to their breakthrough.
“’Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ni coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) palagi na tignan mo ‘yung kasama mo sa mata doon mo mabubuo ‘yung teamwork niyo eh. I think ‘yung team nakukuha na namin ‘yung ganoon eh, ‘yung isang tingin palang nagki-click na kami, talagang tinatrabaho namin ‘yung chemistry. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahirap para sa isang bagong team ulit para magsimula,”
PLDT, however, remains the most structurally sound team in the tournament – boasting depth, discipline and a system built for high-pressure matches. Leading their charge are Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron and Alleiah Malaluan with Kim Fajardo orchestrating their play.
Unlike earlier matches filled with possibilities and second chances, these games offer something far more immediate: a direct ticket to the Final Four – and a crucial step closer to the championship.
The losing teams won’t bow out just yet – they’ll still have a second chance, provided they can get past the two teams emerging from the Play-In stage.
With momentum, pride and survival all in play, expect both matches to deliver high-octane rallies, emotional swings and defining moments that could reshape the title race.
