RISKY BUSINESS
Cool Smashers clash with Crossovers, eye lead
‘We’re taking it step-bystep for now. Improvement comes from training, so that’s where our focus is.’
Games today:
(Sta. Rosa Sports Complex) 2 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Creamline 4 p.m. — Galeries Tower vs Capital1 6 p.m. — Nxled vs Akari
Creamline risks its immaculate record against a Chery Tiggo side reeling from a stunning straightsets loss the last time out as the Premier Volleyball League holds its weekend triple-bill Saturday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
This marks the league’s first venture outside of the Big City in the AllFilipino Conference with the Cool Smashers raring to showcase their skills at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex.
Creamline is determined to extend its run to five games — and 20th overall following its 15-game sweep of the Second AFC championship last year — with coach Sherwin Meneses expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance five weeks into the singleround prelims of the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
“I’m satisfied with the performance of the players. They really work hard to secure a win. They don’t focus on who their opponent is, and that’s what’s important,” said Meneses after the crowd favorites overwhelmed Strong
Group Athletics last Tuesday.
While Creamline has faced little resistance from its first four opponents, the Cool Smashers anticipate a tougher match against the Crossovers, who are seeking redemption after a lackluster performance against the Farm Fresh Foxies last weekend.
“We’re taking it step-by-step for now. Improvement comes from training, so that’s where our focus is,” Meneses added.
Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez are expected to lead Creamline’s charge with support from Bea de Leon Floremel Rodriguez, Lorie Bernardo, Rizza Mandapat, Pau Soriano, Risa Sato and Bernadeth Pons, who spearheaded the team’s offense with 12 points against the Athletics.
But Chery Tiggo coach Kungfu Reyes is expected to rally his team, led by top hitter Eya Laure, to put up a stronger fight, hoping to draw the best from Mylene Paat, Shaya Adorador, Ara Galang, Aby Maraño, Cess Robles, Cza Carandang and EJ Laure.
Meanwhile, Capital1 looks to nail a second win in five games as it faces winless Galeries Tower at 4 p.m. while Akari and Nxled break a tie at 1-3 in a duel of sister teams in the 6 p.m. main dish.
Games are telecast live on freeto-air on One Sports, in HD on One Sports+, as well as on the PVL’s official website (pvl.ph) and the Pilipinas Live app. Global coverage includes the new free-to-air channel — RPTV.