PVL: Creamline to maintain unbeaten status against F2

THE defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers, is looking for their sixth straight victory over the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers tomorrow at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City to bolster their semifinal push in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

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Creamline will seek to continue its recent triumph against Petro Gazz, which they won 25-22, 23-25, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13, into their much-anticipated clash against the Cargo Movers. 

Ever-reliable Michele Gumabao led the team’s offense anew, scoring 19 points in just three sets, while three-time MVP Tots Carlos provided a finishing spark off the bench with 16.

Jema Galanza starred in an all-around supporting role, scoring 15 points, and receiving 12 excellent receptions, while Kyle Negrito directed the offense with 22 excellent sets.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses highlighted the importance of their last game against Petro Gazz, emphasizing the idea of coming out on top of a tight five-set contest before facing F2 Logistics.

“Malaking bagay ‘yung game ngayon kasi ayun nga, ‘yung experience nila Kyle [Negrito] na naka-five sets na whole game siya ‘yung naglalaro. So napakalaking tulong sa amin na na-experience niya ‘yung ganung labanan,” Meneses says.

“‘Yung F2 naman, same ng ibang team, talagang paghahandaan din namin. Kasi nga ‘yung team namin tinitignan namin ‘yung magiging game, so let’s see nalang sa Tuesday. Same lang ‘yung magiging preparation,” Meneses added, referring to their forthcoming encounter against F2.

Meanwhile, F2 Logistics defeated the controversial winless Gerflor Defenders, winning 25-10, 25-16, and 25-14. The Cargo Movers did not let the Defenders get even an inch close to them, citing the need of bringing their A-game no matter who they play.

“It is essential to respect the opponent, not just react based on who you’re playing against. I told them that if they get too close to their opponents, it means they are not respecting them,” F2 Logistics head coach Regine Diego remarked.

This is a good win for Diego as they prepare for a challenging match against the defending champs. “Of course, it’s a good boost for the team for the next game with the defending champions, but I told them that this is good preparation for the next game, and we cannot be complacent,” she said.

After playing in restricted minutes, Ara Galang led the Cargo Movers’ offense with 11 points, three blocks, 11 outstanding digs, and three excellent receptions. Aby Marano finished with a total of 10 points on six attacks, two blocks, and two rejections.

Meanwhile, Ivy Lacsina, their previous game’s leading scorer, scored 10 points on 10 successful attacks. Alba contributed 14 excellent sets, and Macandili had 12 excellent digs.

The last time Creamline and F2 met was in the 2023 PVL Invitational Conference semifinals, when the Cool Smashers defeated the Cargo Movers in a five-set come-from-behind victory.