PVL: Creamline looks to sweep elimination round

THE CREAMLINE Cool Smashers will aim to finish their elimination round undefeated when they face the already eliminated Akari Chargers this afternoon in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2nd All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

The Cool Smashers conquered the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in four sets Tuesday night, extending their victory streak to nine, with two games remaining in their elimination round schedule.

The Cool Smashers and its top hitter Jema Galanza delivered what appears to be the perfect gift for the talented player, as they overpowered the Chery Tiggo Crossovers 25-22, 24-26, 25-20, 25-16, breaking the Crossovers’ six-game winning run.

Despite losing most of their important players before the season began, Creamline coach Sherwin Menses was pleased with the team’s performance throughout the 2023 PVL AII-Filipino Conference, as well as in their ninth straight victory.

“Masaya ako kasi lahat ng rotation maganda kahit sinong ipasok, hindi lang ‘yung basta ipapasok mo bago maging maganda. ‘Yung nasa loob naman laging maganda yung ginagalaw at happy kami, kasi team effort yung nangyayari,” he said.

While the defending champions remain undefeated, Galanza felt they were still far from reaching their full potential. She emphasized that the squad must improve on specific aspects to be well-equipped for the semis.

“Palapit nang palapit ang semis, kaya kailangan ma-perfect namin ang mga galaw at mag-focus sa sistema,” said the former Adamson University standout, who celebrated her 27th birthday with a best player of the game performance on Tuesday.

Another victory over the Chargers will secure them the No. 1 spot in the season-ending conference post-elims. In their final game on Tuesday, the reigning champions will face the winless Galeries Tower Highrisers.

Meanwhile, Galeries and Gerflor Defenders will battle at 2 p.m., each looking to snap a nine-game losing streak and earn their first win in the league. The major event of the evening will pit PLDT High Speed Hitters against F2 Logistics at 6 p.m.