Cool Smashers hot on solo lead

Creamline tries to break away from a tie with Choco Mucho and Cignal as it tangles with winless Strong Group Athletics in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference prelims today at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Coming off a three-set romp over the Galeries Tower Highrisers last Thursday, the defending champions set out for their 4 p.m. match against the Athletics as the heavy favorites, holding a palpable advantage in all aspects of the game.

Despite the favorable odds, however, team captain Alyssa Valdez urges caution among her teammates, emphasizing the coaching staff's advice "not to become too complacent" while stressing the need for respect and maintaining their aggressiveness against every team in the league.

While many anticipate that coach Sherwin Meneses might experiment new combinations or provide more playing time to the bench, the Cool Smashers are expected to handle the Athletics convincingly in pursuit of a fourth straight victory.

Creamline's roster boasts of top hitters Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao and Valdez, middle blockers Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga, and ace setter Kyle Negrito, supported by a crew capable of leading the team in any situation.

In contrast, the Athletics are still in search of their first win in their maiden stint in the league organized by Sports Vision. But after consecutive losses to powerhouse teams Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, along with a defeat to fellow newcomer Capital1, coach Onyok Getigan remains hopeful that his team, led by Mary Joy Onofre and skipper Dolly Verzosa, can put up a challenge against the formidable Cool Smashers.

Despite early struggles against top teams like the Flying Titans, the HD Spikers and the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the Chameleons, with the entry of Ivy Lacsina and improvements from players like Krich Macaslang, May Luna, Camille Victoria and Chiara Permentilla, are determined to secure their first win against the Highrisers.