Unbeaten Creamline and surging Petro Gazz look to sustain their dominant form as they take on struggling opponents at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers, displaying the poise of reigning champions, will battle a Farm Fresh squad desperate to improve its standing. Currently in ninth place with a 4-5 record, the Foxies need a strong finish to climb into the top six and boost their playoff hopes.
However, overcoming the powerhouse Cool Smashers will be no easy task.
Creamline, the defending three-time All-Filipino champions, has been nearly unstoppable this season, boasting an impeccable 8-0 record. With stars like Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez leading the charge, they are inching closer to a possible sweep of the prelims in the league organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons.
"Our win against Chery Tiggo in three sets was a big deal. The team's confidence is high, but of course, knowing Farm Fresh, they also have veteran recruits mixed with young players. They're also showing a good performance this conference, so we will prepare well. I think it will be a great match," said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.
After tonight’s 6:30 p.m. clash with Farm Fresh, only two more games remain in their prelims campaign – against the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Feb. 15 and the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Feb. 20.
Despite their underdog status, the Foxies possess the firepower to challenge Creamline. With Jolina Dela Cruz providing additional offensive punch alongside Trisha Tubu, Rizza Cruz, Aly Bertolano and Caitlyn Viray, Farm Fresh is determined to pull off an upset.
Meanwhile, the 4 p.m. match also features a contrasting battle between the red-hot Petro Gazz Angels and the struggling Capital1 Solar Spikers.
The Angels enter the match riding a six-game winning streak, including a four-set triumph over ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles. On the other hand, the Solar Spikers are in dire straits, having lost their last five matches in straight sets and sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 record.
With their playoff fates hanging in the balance, both the Foxies and Solar Spikers are expected to fight with urgency, hoping to defy the odds against two of the most formidable teams in the tournament supported by Arena Plus, Fabriano Appliances, Milcu, iColor & Argan Beauty, Tapa King, Sport Radar and Mikasa.
Games are aired live on Pilipinas Live, RPTV, One Sports, One Sports+, and pvl.ph.
