After an up-and-down stint in the preliminaries, the Farm Fresh Foxies and Akari Chargers, both holding 5-6 records, clash for a direct 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino quarterfinals spot.
The 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round heats up as the Farm Fresh Foxies and Akari Chargers clash in a pivotal matchup with a direct quarterfinal berth at stake.
Set to take place on Tuesday, March 4, at the PhilSports Arena, this battle features two evenly matched teams—Farm Fresh and Akari—both finishing the preliminary round with identical 5-6 records.
The Foxies, holding the no. 6 seed, will aim to replicate their dominant sweep of the no. 7-seeded Chargers in their previous encounter last November 30. Adding more intrigue, this will be a rematch of the 2024 Reinforced Conference quarterfinals, as both young franchises look to stack playoff appearances.
Which team will add a breakthrough?
Farm Fresh enters the qualifying round after pulling off a reverse sweep against the Capital1 Solar Spikers.
Rachel Anne Daquis, who was recently named PVL Player of the Week, has been instrumental in the Foxies’ recent success, providing both offensive firepower and her veteran leadership.
But the Benson Bocboc-led squad will be hoping to have star opposite hitter Trisha Tubu back in action after missing out on the team’s last two games due to back spasms.
[ALSO READ: PVL: Rachel Anne Daquis’ impact for Farm Fresh goes beyond the court, says Benson Bocboc]
Jolina Dela Cruz is also expected to deliver for Farm Fresh after struggling in the past few matches.
Meanwhile, despite struggling with inconsistency, Akari remains a dangerous opponent with a roster capable of turning the tide.
Faith Nisperos and Ivy Lacsina continue to be the team’s go-to scorers, while Fifi Sharma anchors their defensive efforts at the net.
With head coach Taka Minowa at the helm, the Chargers will look to make key adjustments to avoid another sweep and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
[ALSO READ: Akari still building its culture in PVL All-Filipino, says coach Taka Minowa]
What’s at stake?
With both teams tied at 5-6, this match looks to be the most intriguing in the qualifying round.
The winner will advance to the next stage, while the loser will have to go through the play-in tournament for another shot at the postseason.
[ALSO READ: What to expect from the upcoming qualifying round in 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference?]
First serve between the Farm Fresh and Akari match is set at 4:00 p.m.