‘Getting Game 1 is important because it sets the tone for the series. But the job isn’t done yet. We have to work even harder to prepare for Game 2.’
Alyssa Valdez leads Creamline’s assault against Chery Tiggo in their PVL All-Filipino Conference quarterfinal best-of-three series Saturday at the Ynares Center.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Games today:
(Ynares Center)
4 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs ZUS Coffee
6:30 p.m. — Creamline vs Chery Tiggo
As defending champion Creamline attempts to formalize its entry into the next round, Petro Gazz fights to stay alive as action in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference best-of-three quarterfinals escalates at the Ynares Center.
For Petro Gazz, a strong start will be vital in Game 2 against ZUS Coffee at 4 p.m. after suffering a shocking straight-sets defeat in their opener, 21-25, 23-25, 25-27. The loss put the Angels, a seasoned playoff contender, on the brink of an early exit.
Veteran outside hitter Myla Pablo emphasized the importance of urgency from the opening whistle.
“I think in Game 2, we really need to take the lead early. We can’t afford to play catch-up,” Pablo said.
The Thunderbelles, seeded seventh, delivered one of the tournament’s biggest upsets by toppling the No. 2 Angels, moving within a win of a historic semifinal berth.
Led by the explosive duo of Jovelyn Gonzaga and Chai Troncoso, along with young standouts Thea Gagate, Mich Gamit, and Chinnie Arroyo, ZUS Coffee displayed remarkable chemistry and grit in their series opener shocker.
Despite the stunning victory, Gonzaga remains cautious, knowing Petro Gazz will do its best to survive.
“First and foremost, we want to enjoy the win, but we know that in Game 2, we have to put in the work. There is no room for complacency,” Gonzaga said.
“Whatever we showed in Game 1, we need to double our efforts and listen to our coaching staff. For now, we’ll celebrate, but we have to prepare even harder.”
Following a dominant performance in Game 1, Creamline looks to complete a quarterfinal sweep against Chery Tiggo in the second match at 6:30 p.m.
Alyssa Valdez, who led the Cool Smashers with a vintage performance, remains focused on the bigger picture.
“Getting Game 1 is important because it sets the tone for the series. But the job isn’t done yet. We have to work even harder to prepare for Game 2,” Valdez said.
Aside from Valdez, Creamline will rely on Tots Carlos, middle blockers Bea De Leon and Pangs Panaga, and setter Kyle Negrito to deliver a well-rounded effort against the Crossovers.
Meanwhile, while head coach Sherwin Meneses reached a personal milestone with his 100th win at the helm, he is not lowering his guard.
He remains grounded, prioritizing the team’s continued success.
“It’s great to achieve 100 wins, but we hope for many more, especially this season. We want to keep adding to that total in the coming games,” Meneses said.
Chery Tiggo, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle after a heartbreaking collapse in Game 1.
The Crossovers will need key players like Shaya Adorador, Cess Robles and Pauline Gaston to step up, particularly with Ara Galang struggling to find her offensive rhythm after managing just five points in the opener.
