By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline tries to firm up its dynasty as it shoots for a grand sweep of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday, Dec. 16, when it squares off with sister team Choco Mucho at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Match is at 6 p.m. with the Cool Smashers seeking an impressive 15th straight victory dating back the eliminations and a seventh league title.
Showing no signs of slowing down, Creamline came through with brilliant combination plays to claim Game 1, 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22, in their best-of-three finals series last Thursday, Dec. 14 before an energetic crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cool Smashers, however, had to adjust and regroup a couple of times to find their rhythm in outhustling the persistent Flying Titans.
“Masaya ako na lahat ng situation na nangyari ngayon, nagawan namin ng paraan,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, whose wards struggled with their erratic plays after giving up 27 points on errors in their two-hour affair.
“We gave it all out. Sabi nga ni coach, bigyan namin ng puso yung larong to. And nakita namin yung tiwala namin sa isa’t isa… sa skills and teamwork namin na kahit sinong ipasok ni coach, nakakapag-deliver,” added skipper Alyssa Valdez, who contributed 11 points.
Valdez is expected to provide reinforcements anew for Creamline, with Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza slated to be at the forefront of their assault after the duo combined for 32 points the last time.
Michele Gumabao and Jeanette Panaga are also set to shine anew in their attempt to slow down Choco Mucho’s spikers.
Though playing in the finals for the first time in the league, the Flying Titans showed maturity and composure in challenging the Cool Smashers — assets that they needed in their bid to extend the series into a do-or-die match.
Twin towers Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino are expected to provide strength for Choco Mucho after conspiring for 34 points in Game 1, while ever-reliable Sisi Rondina will have to step up anew.
A victory for the Flying Titans would not only fuel their campaign for their first-ever league title as Game 3, if necessary, is set on Dec. 19 at the same venue.
Meanwhile, Cignal also aims for a sweep of their battle-for-bronze medal series against Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m. following its 25-19, 21-25, 25-15, 25-20 Game 1 victory also last Thursday.
