By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino best-of-three title series begins on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with Creamline hoping to continue its legacy and Petro Gazz aiming to rewrite history.
Game time is at 6:30 p.m.
The Cool Smashers, bannered by Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Bea de Leon, Pangs Panaga and Kyle Negrito, are determined to extend their reign.
After losing to Petro Gazz (23-25, 22-25, 25-21, 16-25) in the semifinals, Creamline beat Akari (25-18, 25-19, 25-19) and Choco Mucho (25-19, 25-15, 25-15) to reach the championship round.
“We won’t go down easily. We’re just doing our job. We want to defend the crown,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Petro Gazz, inspired by its stunning victory over Creamline, swept Akari (25-22, 25-20, 25-18) and Choco Mucho (24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 27-25) to reach the Finals.
The Angels are also seeking redemption after bowing to the Cool Smashers in their 2023 title duel.
Bannered by Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete, expect the Angels to go all-out in their bid to dethrone the Cool Smashers.
“This will be our toughest Finals yet. Petro Gazz is complete, healthy and hungry. But we’ll fight with everything we’ve got to keep the crown,” said Valdez.
“Of course, we’re Creamline – we won’t go down without a fight. Our No. 1 goal is to defend the crown,” added Meneses.
Creamline has won 10 titles in 13 Finals appearances. It swept the last four PVL crowns.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho and Akari will battle for third place in their own best-of-three series, starting at 4 p.m. (PNA)
