Games today:

(Ynares Center)

4 p.m. — Akari vs Choco Mucho

6:30 p.m.—- Creamline vs Petro Gazz

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) enters a stage where the slightest mistake could backfire against even a fancied team.

As the All-Filipino Conference kicks off the single round-robin semifinal phase Saturday at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City, Petro Gazz’s main spiker, reigning Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle insists any squad is in danger of getting run over.

“The teams, especially now, going to the semis can just eat us up if we come out flat (...) So now we have to have the mindset that these teams, they have more firepower, I would say. But yeah, we can’t come out flat,” Van Sickle said.

Petro Gazz battles perennial league favorite Creamline in the main game at 6:30 p.m. following the curtain-raiser involving Akari and Choco Mucho at 4 p.m.

“You see how the PVL has been full of ups and downs, and you never know who wants it more. So we just have to come out strong,” Van Sickle added.

Creamline dominated its opening encounter against Petro Gazz in this year’s All-Filipino Conference, securing a 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 sweep on 16 November during the preliminaries in the same Antipolo venue. However, history suggests a tightly contested battle, as these two squads have repeatedly clashed in high-stakes matches.

Since 2019, the Cool Smashers and the Angels have faced off in four PVL finals, with Creamline winning three titles and Petro Gazz claiming one win.

The Angels first made their mark by defeating Creamline in the 2019 Reinforced Conference finals, but the Cool Smashers bounced back with championship victories in the 2019 Open Conference, the 2022 Open Conference, and the 2023 1st All-Filipino Conference.

Creamline’s firepower is anchored by seasoned stars Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao, while setter Kyle Negrito orchestrates the offense with precision.

On the opposing side, Petro Gazz leans on Van Sickle, the veteran leadership of Grethcel Soltones and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and the defensive tenacity of MJ Phillips and Remy Palma.

With strategic masterminds of head coaches Sherwin Meneses and Koji Tsuzurabara at the helm, in-game adjustments and tactical execution will be crucial in determining the outcome of this electrifying showdown.

The Flying Titans, last year’s All-Filipino Conference runners-up, look to build on their momentum, while the Chargers, who finished as Reinforced Conference runners-up, aim to upset the competition.

In their preliminary round meeting on 8 February, Choco Mucho overpowered Akari in four sets, 25-21, 19-25, 25-23, 25-15. Now, the stakes are higher, and both squads are expected to bring their best performances.

Choco Mucho boasts a talented core led by team captain Sisi Rondina, whose relentless attacking and leadership set the tone for the squad. Isa Molde’s versatility as an outside hitter adds depth to their offense, while setter Deanna Wong’s playmaking skills provide stability and control in their game plan.