GAMES TOMORROW
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – Akari vs. Petro Gazz
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs. Creamline
BOUNCING back like a true champion, defending champion Creamline kept its five-peat bid alive by whipping gutsy Akari yesterday 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 to give its semifinals bid in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena a big boost.
Open spiker Bernadeth Pons had a triple-double of 17 points, 15 excellent receptions and 12 digs as the Cool Smashers, reeling from their 23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 16-25 loss last Saturday to Petro Gazz at the Ynares Center Antipolo, stayed in the hunt for a finals berth.
To keep their streak of finals appearances intact, the Cool Smashers must overcome their sister team, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, in a crucial Final Four showdown at the close of the semis play tomorrow, Thursday.
Middle blocker Pangs Panaga and opposite hitter Tots Carlos also contributed to Creamline’s cause with 13 points each, the latter adding 10 digs, while setter Kyle Negrito tossed 24 excellent sets and added four points.
“Napaka-importante ng game kasi parang do-or-die sa amin. Para makabawi syempre stay focus talaga, teamwork nandun pa rin. Hindi pwedeng mag-blame kung sino ang may kulang, kailangan dapat pag-usapang mabuti parang makabawi lang,” said Creamline head mentor Sherwin Meneses.
With the victory, Creamline tied Akari for second at 1-1.
“Iyong lalaruin namin sa Thursday, talagang hindi namin masabi, pero ibibigay namin iyong 100% naming,” Meneses said.
The Chargers hope to keep their bid burning when they battle Petro Gazz on Thursday.
