As Creamline prepares to carve its name into Premier Volleyball League history, defending champion Kurashiki and Cignal square off on Wednesday in a fierce battle for the last finals slot in the Invitational 2024 championship.
The much-anticipated clash begins at 6 p.m. at the Philsports Arena and promises a thrilling encounter between two teams of equal strength, each with contrasting styles and a shared objective – to halt Creamline's march toward a potential grand slam.
The Cool Smashers, who have already clinched the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference titles this year, secured their ticket to the Invitational finals with a four-set win over the HD Spikers last Monday. That victory marked their third straight triumph in the single-round eliminations among five teams, earning them the first slot in Thursday’s championship match.
On the other hand, Cignal and Kurashiki are locked in a tie with two wins and one loss each, both having succumbed to Creamline.
Although already assured of a spot in the finals, Creamline is expected to approach its 4 p.m. game against Farm Fresh with caution. Head coach Sherwin Meneses will likely push his team to maintain their momentum heading into the championship.
Kurashiki, meanwhile, is on a mission to defend its crown, which it won in a dramatic five-set finale against Creamline last year. The Ablaze, who became the first overseas team to win a PVL title, are hungry to keep their title retention drive alive, especially after a four-set loss to the Cool Smashers last Sunday.
For Creamline, the victory last weekend underscored its readiness to complete the elusive grand slam – a feat the Cool Smashers came close to achieving in 2022. After securing both the Open and Invitational titles that year, they stumbled in the Reinforced Conference, finishing third.
Kurashiki, meanwhile, played the role of spoiler last year, denying Creamline’s slam bid in the second conference before the Cool Smashers bounced back to claim the last of two All-Filipino crowns.
Now, with victories in both the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conferences in 2024, Creamline is poised to capture a historic three-title sweep and become the first team to achieve a grand slam in the country's premier volley league organized by Sports Vision.
Yet, Kurashiki and Cignal stand as formidable obstacles, determined to thwart Creamline’s championship aspirations.
Cignal will rely heavily on the attacking prowess of Venezuelan import MJ Perez, but she will need ample support from her teammates, including Ces Molina, Roselyn Doria, Ria Meneses, Chin Basas, Jackie Acuña and setter Gel Cayuna.
The possible return of Vanie Gandler, fresh from her duties with the Alas Pilipinas national team, also bolsters the HD Spikers' offensive capabilities.
Kurashiki, however, remains undeterred, looking to unleash its vaunted firepower led by Saya Taniguchi, Saki Tanabe, Mami Gondo, Honoka Doi, Yukino Yano, Cing Low Mei and masterful setter Kyoka Oshima.
Tonight’s showdown is set to deliver high drama and intensity as both Cignal and Kurashiki vie for a spot in the finals and a chance to derail Creamline’s historic bid for a grand slam.
Meanwhile, Creamline has hinted at deploying Alas Pilipinas standout Jema Galanza in today's match against Farm Fresh, aiming to re-establish her connection with import Erica Staunton and the rest of the local squad ahead of the finals.
"Hopefully, Jema will be able to play, as she’s very eager to get back on the court," said head coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino. "I know she can be a big help to us, but we’ll likely make a final decision by Tuesday."
