Creamline eyes longer streak, battles Galeries
Creamline carries renewed momentum into Tuesday’s Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference clash, but the Cool Smashers know little comes easy in a tightly contested semifinal race.
Creamline (3-1) faces the Galeries Tower Highrisers at 6:30 p.m. as the preliminaries resume, with both teams seeking crucial positioning in the standings.
After opening its campaign with a straight-sets loss to PLDT, Creamline has responded with three consecutive victories. The Cool Smashers defeated Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee in four sets before sweeping Capital1 to reestablish themselves as contenders.
Still, head coach Sherwin Meneses cautioned against complacency.
“Our last game really helped us because it was close,” Meneses said in Filipino. “We talked as a team that we need to secure this game because after this, our situation will look better. But with Galeries, you can’t relax or take them lightly because you’ve seen their performance.”
Galeries Tower (2-3) has alternated wins and losses through five matches, making the Highrisers difficult to predict. They nearly claimed back-to-back victories but squandered a 2-1 set lead against Choco Mucho and fell in five sets.
Clear separation
The Highrisers have leaned on Erika Deloria, Jean Asis and Gayle Pascual, with Aiza Pontillas, Roselle Baliton and setter Julia Coronel providing support. Their challenge has been sustaining momentum deep into matches.
Creamline, meanwhile, is expected to rely on its depth. Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Bernadette Pons spearhead the offense, while middle blockers Pangs Panaga and Bea de Leon anchor the net.
Four weeks into the conference, no team has established a clear separation. Momentum swings have defined the tournament, underscoring the slim margins between contenders.
The 4 p.m. match between Choco Mucho and Nxled adds further intrigue.
Choco Mucho (2-3) is seeking to build on renewed form following the return of Eya Laure, who scored 18 points after missing time with a groin and abdominal strain. Her comeback snapped a three-match skid and revived the Flying Titans’ bid for a semifinal berth.
Nxled, after a 3-0 start, has dropped consecutive four-set matches to Galeries Tower and Akari. Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips have continued to deliver, but consistency has eluded the Chameleons.
