With the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference quarterfinals proving to be a battleground where no team is safe, top-seeded Creamline and No. 2 Petro Gazz aim to establish their dominance against lower-seeded foes.
But if the electrifying performances of Akari and Choco Mucho in their dramatic five-set victories over the weekend serve as any indication, no lead is ever secure, and no favorite is ever too strong to be challenged.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels enter their respective best-of-three series on Tuesday as favorites, but their opponents – the Chery Tiggo Crossovers and the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles – are more than capable of turning these matchups into unpredictable, edge-of-the-seat thrillers at the Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers, boasting a powerhouse core led by Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Bernadeth Pons and Alyssa Valdez, have the depth, experience and firepower to take control early. Playmaker Kyle Negrito has been masterful in setting up her hitters, while Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga anchor the team’s defensive efforts in the middle.
On paper, Creamline’s squad has everything – offensive efficiency, defensive stability and championship experience. They dispatched the Crossovers in straight sets during their preliminary meeting, and coach Sherwin Meneses will look to replicate that dominance in their 4 p.m. matchup.
But Chery Tiggo has nothing to lose and everything to gain. If their inspired performance in the Play-In phase is anything to go by, the Crossovers, led by Ara Galang, Cess Robles, Shaya Adorador and a determined supporting cast, won’t go down without a fight. With the unpredictability of a short best-of-three series, one strong start or a shift in momentum could turn the tide in their favor.
"Creamline is not an easy opponent, especially since they are full of veteran players. Many of them are really experienced players,” said Adorador in Filipino. “But we will work hard and start with ourselves.”
Meanwhile, the Angels, bannered by Brooke Van Sickle and a formidable local contingent featuring Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Remy Palma and Aiza Pontillas, will try to overwhelm the youthful but tenacious Thunderbelles. While Petro Gazz edged ZUS Coffee in four sets during their previous encounter, it was far from an easy victory, as the Thunderbelles showed resilience in extended sets.
"I would like to say that we can't get too ahead of ourselves. The championship is the goal. But we have to focus on what's ahead of us. we have to take that game seriously. Fight as much as we can. Take it game by game. It's easier said than done to win a championship," said Van Sickle.
ZUS Coffee, though lacking in experience compared to their battle-tested opponents, has the energy, hunger and unpredictability that could make the Thunderbelles dangerous.
Thea Gagate’s intimidating net presence, Michelle Gamit’s steadiness, and the veteran leadership of Chai Troncoso and Jovelyn Gonzaga provide a mix of youthful potential and veteran composure. If they can take the Angels out of their rhythm early, an upset could be brewing.
While history and statistics favor Creamline and Petro Gazz, the recent five-set thrillers by Akari and Choco Mucho over Galeries Tower and PLDT, respectively, serve as a reminder that past results mean little in high-stakes playoff battles.
The Cool Smashers and the Angels are eager to flex their dominance, but if their opponents can withstand early pressure and ride the momentum of their Play-In victories, the quarterfinals could produce more heart-stopping upsets.
With every team stepping onto the court knowing that every set – and every rally – matters, the battle for semifinal spots is bound to be anything but predictable.
