Games Today
(Philsports Arena, Pasig City)
10 a.m. – Air Force vs Army (men’s)
1 p.m. – Cignal vs Sta. Elena (men’s)
4 p.m. – BaliPure vs Creamline (women’s)
6:30 p.m. – Power Smashers vs Pocari (women’s)
Today is going to be a special day for volleyball enthusiasts as the Premier Volleyball League stages not only two knockout semis matches but four at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Two will be held in the centerpiece women’s division and another two in the men’s side of the premier volleyball tournament in the country.
Clashing at 4 p.m. are Alyssa Valdez’s Creamline and BaliPure while the Power Smashers hopes to ride the momentum of their five-set win in Game 2 when it battles defending champion Pocari Sweat at 6 p.m.
Valdez, as usual, did well for Creamline Tuesday night but it was Thai Kuttika Kaewpin who made the big difference.
Kaewpin made huge plays at crunch time as Creamline pulled off a dramatic 24-26, 25-18, 18-25, 25-16, 16-14 win to force a Game 3 in their semis series.
The Power Smashers likewise forced a Game 3 with a 24-26, 22-25, 25-18, 25-23, 15-13.
Power Smashers Coach Nes Pamilar expects his stalwarts to improve on their reception and lessen their errors after struggling at the start of their Game 2 match.
“Sa mental nay un eh. Tinatanong ko sa kanila, bakit nawawala yung tiwala nila sa sarili nila kapag magre-receive na. Masyadong maingat, ayaw magkamali. So yun ang kailangan naming adjustment,” said Pamilar, who will continue to rely on Thai imports Kannika Thipachot and Hyapa Amporn.
Like the Power Smashers, Pocari also needs to strengthen its mental toughness after squandering a two-set advantage in Game 2.
The Lady Warriors have American Michelle Strizak in their arsenal after exploding with 33 points the last time, along with Myla Pablo, Maricar Nepomuceno, and Jeanette Panaga.