CREAMLINE tries to break away from a tie with Choco Mucho and Cignal as the Cool Smashers tangle with the winless Strong Group Athletics in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig today, Tuesday.
Coming off a three-set romp over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last Thursday, the defending champions set out for their 4 p.m. match against the Athletics as the heavy favorites, holding a big advantage in all aspects of the game.
Despite the favorable odds, however, team captain Alyssa Valdez urged caution, emphasizing the coaching staff’s advice “not to become too complacent” while stressing the need for respect and maintaining their aggressiveness against every team.
While many anticipate that coach Sherwin Meneses might experiment with new combinations or provide more playing time to the bench, the Cool Smashers are expected to handle the Athletics convincingly in pursuit of a fourth straight victory.
Creamline’s roster boasts of top hitters Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao and Valdez, middles Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, and ace setter Kyle Negrito, supported by a crew capable of leading the team in any situation.
In contrast, the Athletics are still in search of their first win in their maiden stint in the league organized by Sports Vision. But after consecutive losses to powerhouse teams Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, along with a defeat to fellow newcomer Capital1, coach Onyok Getigan remains hopeful that his team, led by Mary Joy Onofre and skipper Dolly Verzosa, can put up a challenge against the formidable Cool Smashers.
