by Kristel Satumbaga
Games Tomorrow (Ynares Center, Antipolo)
2 p.m. – BanKo-Perlas vs PetroGazz
4 p.m. – Pacifictown Army vs Creamline
Defending champion Creamline is just one win away from booking a return trip to the finals of the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 but ace spiker Alyssa Valdez remains on the guard knowing anything can happen between today and tomorrow.
Valdez said they need a “balance of consistency and calmness” inside the court following their scary 26-24, 25-21, 23-25, 25-20 victory over Pacifictown-Army in Game 1 of their best-of-three semis series Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan City.
“May mga times talaga na bumibitaw kami sa sets, so consistency at puso lang talaga ang kailangan namin if we wanted to make it to the finals,” said Valdez, who finished with 12 points.
The Cool Smashers appeared headed to a straight-set triumph but unforced errors allowed the Lady Troopers to set the pace in the third frame.
“Di kami pwedeng kumurap lalo na sa mga veteran teams like Army kasi very smart silang maglaro and they know when to pace themselves,” Valdez said, adding that they needed to double their efforts in Game 2 slated on Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Like Creamline, PetroGazz is also not taking BanKo Perlas lightly despite drawing the first blood in their own best-of-three affair with a 25-19, 25-15, 21-25, 25-12 win.
“Siyempre semifinals na to. Yung mindset ng mga players is nakatutok na doon sa gusto talaga namin mangyari,” said PetroGazz coach Arnold Laniog.
Imports Wilma Salas and Janisa Johnson remained the Angels’ heart and soul after erupting for 25 and 23 points, spoiling the debut of BanKo Perlas’ newly acquired reinforcement Jeane Horton, who tallied 11 points.
Game 2 of their matchup will also be on Saturday before the Creamline-Army duel.
