by Kristel Satumbaga
Games Today (The Arena, San Juan City)
2 p.m. – BanKo Perlas vs Pacifictown Army
Presentation of Individual Awards
4 p.m. – PetroGazz vs Creamline
Creamline hopes to complete its title-retention bid in style as it goes for a grand sweep when it faces PetroGazz in Game 2 of their Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Reinforced Conference Finals at The Arena in San Juan City.
Match is at 4 p.m. with the Cool Smashers hoping to seal the title in their best-of-three finals affair after taking Game 1, 24-26, 25-16, 25-16, 25-22, on Wednesday.
A victory for Creamline will also give them its third crown overall after dominating the 2018 Open Conference.
Multiple Most Valuable Player awardee Alyssa Valdez continues to live up to her role as the heart and soul of Creamline with her inspiring show she displayed since recovering from a stinging opening day defeat to PetroGazz.
Valdez, however, refused to take the credit alone claiming everybody are contributing to their cause, especially foreign reinforcements Kuttika Kaewpin and Ale Blanco.
Despite their impressive come-from-behind win in Game 1, Valdez expects nothing but a battle royale in today’s match.
“We know PetroGazz. Hindi yan basta-basta susuko,” said Valdez, adding that they are determined to carry their “heartstrong” mantra in toughening up their cohesion inside the court.
Defense is also crucial in this matchup as both teams boast of powerful hitters, but Creamline is more particular in stopping Cuban spiker Wilma Salas and American hitter Janisa Johnson.
Salas, in particular, remains dangerous behind the net after hammering down a conference-high 37 points in the eliminations.
In Game 1, the Cool Smashers were able to slow down the former national team member, who registered 18 points.
