By Kristel Satumbaga
Games Today
(The Arena, San Juan City)
10 a.m. – PLDT vs Vice Co.
1:45 p.m. – Pocari-Air Force
vs BanKo-Perlas
3:45 p.m. – Creamline vs PayMaya
6 p.m. – Air Force vs Cignal
Creamline and PayMaya start their championship duel today with both teams determined to draw the proverbial first blood in the 2018 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Coming off big wins in similar do-or-die semis matches, Creamline and PayMaya are expected to show up fully motivated in their 3:45 duel knowing the importance of winning the opener of a short title series.
The title clash marks the first time that Creamline and PayMaya are facing each other of this significance.
In advancing to the finals, the Cool Smashers ousted defending champion Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16, while the High Flyers turned back the BanKo-Perlas Spikers, 22-25, 14-25, 25-14, 25-23, 15-12.
Creamline is heavily favored to raise the championship trophy this time having beaten the High Flyers, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19, in the eliminations.
Despite their advantage manpower-wise, the Cool Smashers aren’t leaving their title aspirations to chance.
And this was emphasized no less by skipper Alyssa Valdez.
“I’m just praying that we’ll be healthy going to the finals. The desire to win is there, and we’ll do our best to maintain that composure,” said Valdez.
Valdez forms Creamline’s core along with Kuttika Kaewpin, Michelle Gumabao and Laura Schaudt.
Out to challenge Creamline’s lineup is PayMaya’s top scorer Tess Rountree, who exploded for 35 points in their last semis match.
Help will also come from power-hitting Grethcel Soltones and Shelby Sullivan in a battle of two strong offensive teams.
Meanwhile, Cignal tries to extend its reign in men’s division when it battles Air Force in a similar best-of-three showdown.
