After four months, Choco Mucho and Creamline, sister teams but fierce league rivals, cross paths once again on Thursday night in a crucial showdown in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference before an expected sellout crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers, on the other hand, are determined to nail the win that would bolster their own semis drive in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Creamline is tied with Petro Gazz, Chery Tiggo and PLDT at 7-2 but the Angels and the Crossovers will face two eliminated teams in their last two games, practically giving them the inside track to the next round.
After the Flying Titans, the Cool Smashers will take on the High Speed Hitters on April 25 in a virtual knockout match for the last slot.
Expect a clash of firepower as Choco Mucho and Creamline boast enough artillery to thrust them into the thick of the semifinals battle. Blocking will also play a pivotal role with both teams equipped with talented middles who can pose threats both offensively and defensively.
The two teams have emphasized coverage throughout the tournament with their floor defense proving as effective as their offense.
With seven championships, Creamline brings unparalleled experience and poise to crucial battles like these. However, Choco Mucho is hungry for redemption after being swept by Creamline in its first title attempt last December.
Rondina’s consistent double-digit outputs have underscored her dependability and her energetic play is again expected to inspire her teammates.
But one potential obstacle for Choco Mucho is the absence of Kat Tolentino due to an auditory condition. However, coach Dante Alinsunurin remains optimistic about his team’s chances while stressing the importance of facing Creamline well-prepared.
Counterpart Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, is undeterred by Choco Mucho’s threat, confident in his team’s strengths and cohesion. With Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon, Risa Sato, Lorie Bernardo, Michele Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons, the defending champions are poised for another success.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh and Strong Group tangle in the 4 p.m. opener with the Foxies shooting for their third win in 10 games and the Athletics seeking to the nail the elusive win in 10 matches.
Games are telecast live on free-to-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.
