Even after the first week of play in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference, you get the sense that the title is going to come down between Creamline and Petro Gazz.
When they first battled on May 26, the Petro Gazz Angels swept the Coolsmashers in three sets. Since then, they went on a tear and are now at a perfect 7-0 with six wins coming via three-set sweep. They have won 21 sets and lost only one.
Creamline, on the other hand, has gone 6-0 since the opening day loss to the Angels. They have won 15 sets and dropped only two more since May 26. They replaced their opening day head coach, had former Ateneo Blue Eagle Ed Ortega serve as interim tactician until former Coach Anusorn Bundit returned.
And now, the two will meet this Saturday, June 22, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in the main match at 4 p.m.
This is a preview of the championship. Or should Petro Gazz win, be a foregone conclusion?
Petro Gazz draws their strength from their two imports—Wilma Salas and Janisa Johnson with Jeanette Panaga and Djanel Cheng playing excellent supporting roles. Cienne Cruz has also done a great job as the team’s libero.
Creamline counts on Kuttika Kaewpin, Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado. Middle blocker Alleoscar Blanco is there but she gets a lot of help from Michelle Gumabao and Risa Sato.
In my opinion, if Petro Gazz’ Salas and Johnson have their way once more, this will go the Angels’ way. Stopping one of them is key because I think that Creamline has more weapons.
For Petro Gazz to continue their march to their first ever PVL title, they need others to contribute.
If Creamline wants to make this a series, they need to win and for Blanco to play the game of her life.
It is a battle between the top 2 offensive teams. But this Saturday, it will come down to who plays better defense.