It's Creamline versus PetroGazz for the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference crown starting Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Fans can catch the live coverage of ABS-CBN Sports on S+A, S+A HD, LIGA, LIGA HD, and via streaming on iWant starting at 3 pm.
The reigning and defending Reinforced Conference champs Cool Smashers formalized the dream match-up by fans when they swept the PacificTown Army Lady Troopers last Saturday (July 6). The Angels booked their maiden appearance on the Finals stage by defeating the BanKo Perlas Spikers also in two games, and are now seeking to dethrone the current queens. The Lady Troopers and the Perlas Spikers, meanwhile, will dispute the bronze medal at 3 p.m., with the Game 1 of the Finals starting at 5 p.m.
The underlying story between the two rival squads was how they were the only ones to beat each other dating back to the elimination rounds. PetroGazz drew first blood against Creamline in the season opener, giving the Cool Smashers their only loss in the conference. After that opening-day defeat, the defending champs racked up 11 straight victories, including the semifinal series against the Lady Troopers, to barge into the Finals.
“What hurts Creamline opponents the most right now is that their reinforcements have been playing so well. (Kuttika) Kaewpin and (Ale) Blanco have been scoring a lot and they still have Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, there’s just so much firepower,” said volleyball analyst Mozzy Ravena on “The Score” last Friday (July 5) when asked about how Creamline has sustained its blazing form.
Meanwhile, fellow analyst Fille Cainglet-Cayetano cited that aside from the Cool Smashers’ offense, the team’s defense has been stout thanks to the likes of Liberos Melissa Gohing and Kyla Atienza.
On the other side of the fence, the analysts believe that the Angels gained the upperhand thanks to the combined firepower of the troika of Wilma Salas, Janisa Johnson, and to their surprise, Cherry Nunag. “Every game, the imports have been consistent, then there’s that one local who bolsters their attack,” said Ravena. Aside from the three, the Angels can also rely on tried and tested veterans with championship experience like Stephanie Mercado and Jeanette Panaga.
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