Games Saturday
(Ynares Center, Antipolo)
4 p.m. – Akari vs Choco Mucho
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs Petro Gazz
The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference kicks off its Final Four stage Saturday, March 29, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, a high-stakes single round-robin showdown where every game matters.
Reigning titlist Creamline battles Petro Gazz at 6:30 p.m. while Akari takes on Choco Mucho at 4 p.m. in a pair of explosive matches.
Each result could either propel a team toward the championship or derail their path entirely. With intense rivalries, electrifying plays and dreams on the line, expect nothing less than pure volleyball brilliance.
Both Choco Mucho and Akari earned their spots after grueling five-set victories in the quarterfinals – proof that no team is willing to back down in this do-or-die stretch. Their earlier encounter saw Choco Mucho win in four sets, but much has changed since that Feb. 8 showdown, making this rematch anything but predictable.
The Flying Titans are determined to erase the heartbreak of last year’s title pursuit, while the Chargers are equally focused on seizing a championship after falling short in the Reinforced Conference finals.
“Of course, we always say to take it one game at a time. We shouldn’t get ahead of ourselves, we will keep working hard. So, this is an extra motivation for me – I will never give up on my teammates. That’s why we’ll get back to work again,” said Choco Mucho star Sisi Rondina in Filipino, on the semis after a grueling two-game series against PLDT.
But the Chargers are just as determined to launch their semis campaign on a strong note.
“We know our goal. We all know what we want to achieve. But how we achieve it – that’s what we work on every day, and it keeps us focused on one game at a time until we reach that goal. A small step toward the bigger goal,” said Akari’s Faith Nisperos, who was not with the team during their Finals run in the Reinforced.
Choco Mucho, under the guidance of coach Dante Alinsunurin, boasts of a lethal mix of power and defense with Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, Maika Ortiz, Royse Tubino, Cherry Nunag and the rising Mars Alba. Their ability to perform under pressure will be key in overcoming their unpredictable opponents.
On the other side, Akari coach Taka Minowa will be banking on Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Camille Victoria and Fifi Sharma, while expecting big contributions from Ced Domingo, Ezra Madrigal and playmaker Michelle Cobb.
However, even with their championship pedigree, the Cool Smashers face a formidable challenge in the 6:30 p.m. main event against the Petro Gazz Angels.
Consistency, resilience and adaptability will be tested in a short format where every game is crucial, and ties will be resolved by the FIVB tiebreaker system. Records and past performances mean little in a high-pressure setting like this – what matters is who delivers when it counts.
Creamline’s dominance in the league is undeniable, having built a dynasty with its wealth of experience and a winning culture ingrained by coach Sherwin Meneses. But even dynasties can be shaken, and this season has already been marked by unexpected upsets.
“Every day, coach and the senior players remind us not to be complacent, even if the game is still far ahead. Even in training, we really go all out. If we start to relax a bit, Ate Ly (Alyssa Valdez) and Ate MG (Michele Gumabao) immediately remind us. That’s a huge thing because we get reminded every day,” said Creamline top hitter Bernadeth Pons in Filipino.
