Hitters, Chargers gun for QF berths

PLDT and Akari aim to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals when they face separate foes in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The fourth-seeded High Speed Hitters hopes to make quick work of Zus Coffee at 6:30 p.m.

In their previous encounter, PLDT overpowered Zus via sweep, 25-20, 25-16, 25-15, as Erika Santos, Savi Davison and Majoy Baron joined all their forces to dominate the young team.

If PLDT wants to avoid an upset, the way Galeries stunned Cignal in the qualification round, the Rald Ricafort-mentored squad should contain veteran opposite spiker Jovelyn Gonzaga and break down the fortress of effective middle blocker Thea Gagate.

"We don't want to think that we are peaking, but what we prioritize right now is our health. We need to be consistent and work on giving away fewer errors," Ricafort said.

Still, Zus, which finished with a 4-7 win-loss card in the preliminaries, will do what it takes to reach the quarterfinals with the help of another winger, Chai Troncoso.

At 4 p.m., Akari seeks to conquer the gutsy Farm Fresh side.

Akari is hoping for Grethcel Soltones return after missing action in the team's prevous games due to an injury.

The Chargers will rely on outside hitters Ivy Lacsina and Faith Nisperos, along with middle blocker Fifi Sharma.

However, they also need to watch out for veteran Rachel Daquis, and high-flyer Trisha Tubu.

Ten-time champion Creamline, Petro Gazz, Choco Mucho, Chery Tiggo and Galeries are already in the quarterfinals.

The losing teams in the playoff round will have another chance to stay in hunt in the play-in round.