Pepito takes center stage as PVL On Tour resumes in Vigan

Tiger Scores365

A new chapter begins for Detdet Pepito on Saturday as the highly touted rookie finally makes her Premier Volleyball League debut when Capital1 battles Nxled in the PVL On Tour Showdown at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur.

After a two-week break, the tournament resumes with one of its most anticipated early matchups, highlighted by the first professional appearance of the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 Rookie Draft.

Pepito steps into a Solar Spikers squad missing three of its biggest stars—Bella Belen, Vanie Gandler, and Erika Santos—who remain on national team duty with Alas Pilipinas.

Despite those absences, Capital1 still possesses plenty of depth at the net through Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Pauline Gaston, and Pia Abbu, while Pepito teams up with Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina to anchor the backcourt.

The Solar Spikers also expect second-round selection Khy Cepada to take on a larger offensive role alongside Trisha Genesis, Ysa Jimenez, Leila Cruz, Sydney Niegos, and France Ronquillo.

Standing in their way is an Nxled squad loaded with experience and firepower.

The Chameleons feature a formidable middle rotation of Jackie Acuña, MJ Phillips, Krich Macaslang, Aduke Ogunsanya, and Aby Maraño, complemented by a dangerous wing corps led by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Jonah Escamillan, Lyann De Guzman, Chiara Permentilla, and EJ Laure.

Nxled enters the contest with added urgency after dropping a four-set decision to Creamline in its tournament opener and will be eager to even its record.

The spotlight then shifts to the evening's featured match as defending On Tour champion PLDT begins its title defense against Choco Mucho.

Led by veterans Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Kath Arado, and Majoy Baron, the High Speed Hitters also welcome rookie Fianne Ariola and free-agent acquisition Joan Monares as they look to build on the momentum that carried them to last year's PVL Invitational crown.

Choco Mucho continues to adjust without Alas Pilipinas standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, and Dawn Catindig, leaving Tin Ubaldo, Isa Molde, Jewel Encarnacion, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray, and Dindin Manabat with bigger roles.

According to Tiger Score sportsbook, PLDT enters the match as the favorite with a 2.5-set handicap, while the total points line is pegged at 135.5.

Following the Vigan stop, the PVL On Tour Showdown moves to Polomolok, South Cotabato, on Aug. 1, where Nxled faces Galeries Tower before Akari meets Choco Mucho.

Early in the tournament, ZUS Coffee has emerged as the team to beat with consecutive victories over Akari and Choco Mucho, while Creamline and surprise contender Galeries Tower remain within striking distance.