CREAMLINE and Chery Tiggo, eager to sustain their runs and bolster their confidence for the tougher challenges ahead, clash today in what could be a preview of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Coaches of both sides face the dilemma of whether to rest key players or go all-out to secure a win and maintain a psychological edge, possibly meeting each other again in the Final Four — or in the finals — of the season-ending conference organized by Sports Vision.
Creamline, unbeaten in eight games, aims to continue its streak, while Chery Tiggo, with a seven-game run marked by thrilling five-set victories in its last two outings, seeks to carry its momentum to the post-elims play.
Gametime is at 6 p.m.
With Choco Mucho also in the Final Four, the battle for the last spot is being disputed by Cignal (7-3), Petro Gazz (6-4) and PLDT (5-4). But the HD Spikers have the inside track with the winless Gerflor Defenders as their final eliminations opponent on Dec. 5.
But a reversal could lead to a scramble with PLDT and Petro Gazz set to knock each other out, also on Dec. 5.
Despite their pristine record, Creamline skipper and multi-titled Alyssa Valdez stressed the need for hard work, acknowledging areas for improvement: “Madami pa ring lapses and we have to work harder on our training.”
Michele Gumabao’s consistent performance coupled with those of Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza’s have kept the Cool Smashers on top of the heap with Valdez also providing leadership during crucial moments.
