The sudden shift from underdog to frontrunner tag in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals is more than just palpable – it’s a testament to Creamline’s steadfast determination and championship pedigree.
In a remarkable display of skill and resilience, the Cool Smashers delivered a resounding 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in Game One last Thursday, leaving no doubt about their quest for greatness.
Fueled by a stellar roster boasting vast championship experience, Creamline flashed not only its unyielding spirit but also its unmatched endgame prowess. With the confidence, momentum and overwhelming support of their legion of fans behind them, the defending champions stand poised on the brink of history as they set out for Game 2 with laser focus and unwavering unity.
The 6 p.m. showdown at the Araneta Coliseum is more than just a match – it’s a spectacle, a stage where heroes are forged and legacies cemented. And the prospect of a record-breaking crowd looms large, each ticket a coveted pass to witness sporting excellence at its best.
“Actually, hindi ko pa nga iniisip kasi talagang wala namang nagchachampion sa 1-0 so. Ang iniisip ko nga yung ensayo namin bukas eh. 10 to 1pm. Yun nga, hindi pa namin iniisip kasi kakatapos lang ng game,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses after their Game One win.
However, in the face of Creamline’s ascension, Choco Mucho remains a formidable opponent. Despite facing adversity with a depleted roster, the Flying Titans have defied the odds, proving their mettle as worthy contenders for the title.
Coach Dante Alinsunurin, renowned for his strategic acumen, understands the challenges ahead. Yet, against a solid Creamline side, he must orchestrate tactics to stifle the Cool Smashers’ offense while igniting his own team’s attacking prowess anchored on the tandem of Sisi Rondina and Royse Tubino.
In Game One, Rondina and Tubino’s combined efforts yielded 42 points, yet they were eclipsed by Creamline’s multi-faceted arsenal, led by the likes of Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez and Bea de Leon.
“Dati pa naman talaga, yun yung nagiging lamang talaga ng Creamline in terms of sa tao. Every time na may magkamali sa kanilang isa, meron silang huhugutin. Sa amin talaga, talagang sabi ko nga, at least nalaman namin ngayon, hindi kami kulang sa lineup, pero nagkulang lang talaga kami sa mga set, sa mga sitwasyon namin,” said Alinsunurin.
With de Leon elevating her performance to underscore the bench’s crucial support, and contributions from Bernadette Pons, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, Kyle Negrito and Risa Sato, the Cool Smashers asserted dominance after a closely contested first set.
The victory moved the Cool Smashers one step closer to etching their name in the annals of volleyball immortality, as they relentlessly pursue a third straight AFC crown and their eighth championship overall.
But the Flying Titans are determined to stall the Cool Smashers’ march to glory. Despite their aspirations being thwarted by their sister team in their first AFC title encounter last December, the Flying Titans remain resolute, ready to seize the opportunity for a breakthrough victory.
They are primed to unleash their trademark fearlessness and tenacity, reminiscent of their journey to the finals of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision. Alinsunurin’s mastery in making tactical adjustments will be put to test.
“Sabi ko tiwala pa rin kami sa mga players namin, then yung tiwala rin ng mga players namin sa amin ay nandun pa rin naman. Alam namin na kung ano yung naging pagkukulang namin ngayon sa sitwasyon, eh naaddress naman, nakita naman, napag-usapan naman,” remarked Alinsunurin.
However, with a limited arsenal at his disposal and Creamline re-claiming its aura of invincibility, overcoming the Cool Smashers will require more than mere strategies – it demands a stroke of brilliance.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz also goes for a sweep of their own series for third place with Chery Tiggo at 4 p.m.
Games are aired live on free-to-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel – RPTV.
