Bernadett Pepito will make her much-anticipated debut for Capital1 in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour at Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on Saturday
Minus Bella Belen and newcomers Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos who are away on national team duty, the Solar Spikers will turn to Pepito, the 2026 rookie draft No. 2 overall pick, in their 4 p.m. duel against the talent-laden Nxled Chameleons.
Capital1 remains formidable with a deep middle rotation anchored on Cherry Nunag, Ezra Madrigal, KC Galdones, Pauline Gaston and Pia Abbu.
Pepito, a decorated standout from the University of Santo Tomas, is expected to provide an immediate boost while teaming up with Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina.
Capital1 will also showcase another rookie in second-round pick Khy Cepada, who joins a wing corps led by Trisha Genesis, Ysa Jimenez, Leila Cruz, Sydney Niegos and France Ronquillo.
The Chameleons has a loaded lineup featuring former Cignal star Jackie Acuña, MJ Phillips, Krich Macaslang, Aduke Ogunsanya and veteran Aby Maraño in the middle.
It also has an explosive wing combination in Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, Jonah Escamillan and Lyann De Guzman. Chiara Permentilla and EJ Laure will provide additional firepower.
Nxled is seeking to bounce back from a four-set defeat to Creamline, 18-25, 23-25, 25-16, 19-25, in its opening assignment in Ilagan City, Isabela on July 8.
Meanwhile, last year’s On Tour champion PLDT opens its campaign against Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.
On paper, the High Speed Hitters appear deeper and more experienced, with Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Kath Arado, and Majoy Baron leading a roster bolstered by No. 7 pick Fianne Ariola and free agency signing Joan Monares.
Choco Mucho, on the other hand, continues to cope with the absence of national team standouts Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure and Dawn Catindig, placing greater responsibility on No. 3 overall pick Tin Ubaldo, Isa Molde, Jewel Encarnacion, Kat Tolentino, Caitlin Viray and Dindin Manabat to keep the Flying Titans competitive.
The PVL On Tour Showdown heads to South Cotabato for the first time on Aug. 1, with Nxled taking on Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. before Akari battles Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m. in Polomolok. (PNA)