TRY AND STOP US: Petro Gazz, Akari gun for finals showdown

Games today:

(Philsports Arena)

4 p.m. — Creamline vs Akari

6:30 p.m. — Petro Gazz vs Choco Mucho

Petro Gazz and Akari aim to secure their spots in the finals when they take on new challenges in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.

The Chargers meet defending champion Creamline, which is reeling from a tough four-set defeat to Petro Gazz during the semis inaugurals over the weekend, at 4 p.m.

With the rare yet stinging defeat putting the Cool Smashers’ finals hopes in jeopardy, skipper Alyssa Valdez is focused on their crucial semis battle against Akari.

“Let’s see on Tuesday. Hopefully, we can prepare well in the next couple of days and improve our game,” Valdez said after recording a triple-double of 10 points, 10 digs and 10 receptions against Petro Gazz.

However, Akari is riding high on confidence after stunning Choco Mucho with a thrilling 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 21-25, 16-14 comeback win that put it on the brink of a finals appearance.

Eli Soyud, who erupted for a career-high 34 points and earned the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honors, will once again be at the forefront of Akari’s attack against Creamline.

The Chargers will also rely on key contributions from Grethcel Soltones, Michelle Cobb, Faith Nisperos and Ced Domingo to counter the Cool Smashers’ firepower.

“We respect Creamline, but we are prepared to give our best,” Akari head coach Takayuki Minowa said.

“Our mindset is to compete at a high level and make sure we execute our game plan well.”

Meanwhile, the Cool Smashers will lean on their battle-tested core, including Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Valdez, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito and Michele Gumabao, as they aim to get back on track.

In the second game at 6:30 p.m., Petro Gazz looks to stay dominant when it takes on Choco Mucho for a chance to make it to the finals.

The Angels shook up the playoff race by taking down Creamline and now enter the Final Four brimming with confidence. Brooke Van Sickle was instrumental in their recent win, scoring 26 points to outshine the combined 24 points of Valdez and Pons.

“Yes, I said to my players before the fourth set to my players that (we are) challengers. Next game also, we will be challengers. I know what level Choco Mucho plays. I know. We also lost to them as a team,” Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara said.

“Today’s game everyone had a good performance. These two players (Jonah Sabete and Ranya Musa), and Brooke (Van Sickle). Everyone, including the analysts.”

“I said today, our hero is Rem (Palma). She did not play in the second set (and remaining sets), but she always gather her teammates, and she gave a good atmosphere. She controls the team so we could win.”

On the other side, Choco Mucho must regroup quickly under the leadership of team captain Sisi Rondina if it wants to keep its championship aspirations alive.