Cool Smashers out to sustain win streak

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THIS is one sister team clash far from friendly or warm-hearted, as Cignal and PLDT gear up for an intense and fierce battle to secure a crucial victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena today, Tuesday.

Creamline looks to extend its winning streak to six when it takes on winless Nxled in the 4 p.m. opener. This matchup is expected to be a straightforward assignment for the Cool Smashers, who aim to tie the Petro Gazz Angels at the top of the 12-team standings with 17 points in this record-setting conference organized by Sports Vision and backed by Watsons.

Currently sitting in second place with a 5-1 record, the HD Spikers face a dual challenge: taking on a PLDT side eager to rebound from its four-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans last week and overcoming their roster setbacks after the unexpected departure of two key players.

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Even without former captain Ces Molina and top middle blocker Riri Meneses, Cignal managed to sweep Galeries Tower in three sets last week. However, their depleted bench will be severely tested against the High Speed Hitters in the main event at 6:30 p.m.

“The good thing about the team is that even though I returned to training a bit late, while monitoring them through video on Zoom, their performance didn’t change. Actually, they seem to enjoy it even more. They are really committed to fulfilling their obligations and goals,” said Cignal coach Shaq delos Santos.

The High Speed Hitters aim to capitalize on their personnel advantage. Savi Davison remains a formidable force after her explosive 27-point outing against the Flying Titans.

However, lack of offensive support – no other teammate reached double digits – proved costly in that match, despite winning the first set.

To turn the tide, the likes of Dell Palomata, Erika Santos, Fiola Ceballos, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron will need to elevate their performance and overpower the resilient HD Spikers, now relying on the likes of Vanie Gandler, Jacqueline Acuña, Roselyn Doria-Aquino, Ishie Lalongisip and Judith Abil.

While not underestimating Nxled, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses is likely to experiment with new lineups as the Chameleons continue their quest for a breakthrough victory. Nxled’s recent loss – a four-set defeat to sister team Akari Chargers – further emphasizes the uphill battle they face against the defending champions.

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