PLDT, EST Cola clash in PVL Invitational kickoff

MANILA, Philippines — Survival of the fittest.

That’s how everybody sees the PVL Invitational – a short but brutal conference where six teams play six matches each in just nine days.

The High Speed Hitters will be the first to be tested.

PLDT opens its title-retention bid against dangerous Thai guest team EST Cola at 1:30 p.m. today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, debuting prized acquisition Leila Cruz, the second overall pick by Capital1 in the Rookie Draft two years ago.

The Manny V. Pangilinan-owned franchise is eyeing back-to-back Invitational crowns and a third title overall, counting last year’s PVL on Tour championship.

“We will be more determined to defend that,” said head coach Rald Ricafort.

In the second game at 4 p.m., Creamline will parade Sachi Minowa – formerly Jaja Santiago – against a revamped Nxled side led by Brooke Van Sickle.

Minowa saw limited action in the 11-time champions’ straight-sets win over Galeries Tower last week in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, but showed flashes of why she remains one of the best players the country has ever produced.

She will be up against an interesting new pairing on the other side, with Van Sickle teaming up for the first time with veteran setter Gel Cayuna as Nxled looks to eclipse its franchise-best fifth-place finish in the All-Filipino Conference.

Capping the heavy triple-header is the 6:30 p.m. tiff between Vietnamese guest team Ho Chi Minh Volleyball Federation and Farm Fresh.