One step closer
Cignal and Creamline split tense five-set victories in the two times they squared off in the PVL All-Filipino Conference
Their third meeting, with a lot more at stake, could produce a classic.
And for the Cool Smashers, who are coming off a testy season, where they lost all the crowns they collected during a historic Grand Slam run, feel like challenging losses like the one the Super Spikers dealt them just before the semifinal round started will be beneficial to their bid to reclaim their status as a powerhouse.
“The difficult experiences we’ve had … those are what make us stronger,” coach Sherwin Meneses said.
Virtual KO
The two teams clash anew at 6:30 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena, in a duel that will push the winner closer to a championship round and leave the loser having to fend off the likes of PLDT or Farm Fresh.
The High Speed Hitters and the Foxies battle in a virtual knockout match in the earlier game at 4 p.m.
Cignal enters the marquee clash carrying the confidence of a four-set win over Farm Fresh and for coach Shaq delos Santos, there is only one great way to build on the momentum of that victory.
“Recover well,” he said, fully aware that endurance could be a key for a match that could drag on to a deciding set.
Cignal also hopes to break down Creamline’s game with a clinical approach, something the team that flaunts its chemistry more than its star power has done throughout the tournament.
“We’ll study again how Creamline plays. We know how difficult they are to face,” delos Santos said.
Need to stay healthy
Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, who have a pact to watch each other’s backs, will lead the Super Spikers, who have been fueled by solid performances by the likes of Tin Tiamzon, Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña. Setter Gel Cayuna will run the offense, while libero Dawn Catindig will take care of the floor coverage.
Creamline, meanwhile, is out to prove its elite label hasn’t breached its shelf life. But Meneses knows that the key to the veteran squad against younger squads is ensuring no one gets hurt.
“The most important thing is that we stay healthy … that everyone is at 100 percent,” he said.
In a five-set escape against PLDT, Creamline drew the goods from Bernadeth Pons, who had 28 points and Jema Galanza, who finished with 17. Behind the two are some of the biggest names in local volleyball: Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Bea de Leon and Jia de Guzman.
