GOING FOR THE RECORD: Will Petro Gazz rain on Creamline’s parade?

Games today:

(Philsports Arena)

4 p.m. — Akari vs Choco Mucho

6:30 p.m. — Cool Smashers vs Petro Gazz

It is all or nothing for Creamline and Petro Gazz as the two powerhouse squads collide in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Finals on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena.

The defending champion Cool Smashers forced a rubber match after a hard-fought 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9 victory in Game 2 on Thursday before a roaring crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With the best-of-three series now tied at 1-1, the six-time All-Filipino champions will bank on their championship experience, composure, and depth to capture a record-extending seventh title.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, the most decorated tactician in the league with seven of the Cool Smashers’ ten titles under his belt, knows the margin for error is slim with limited recovery time.

“It’s really difficult to make adjustments in just one day, especially with the tight schedule of Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday games,” Meneses said.

“What you see from Creamline and Petro Gazz now — that’s what you’ll see in Game 3. It’s going to be a mental battle.”

Despite the pressure, Meneses remains confident in his squad.

“We’re just happy we’re still strong and that we’ve made it this far. Hopefully, we can push through despite the fatigue. Win or lose, as long as we give it our best,” he added.

Bernadeth Pons emerged as Creamline’s game-changer in Game 2, dropping 22 points to outduel Petro Gazz’s top scorer and Finals debutant, Brooke Van Sickle, who finished with 18. Fellow Filipino-American teammate MJ Phillips also put up a solid effort with 15 points in the loss.

Petro Gazz, led by head coach Koji Tsuzurabara — who took over Timmy Sto. Tomas’ position in 2024 — is eager to avoid a repeat of the Angels’ 2023 heartbreak, when the team squandered a 1-0 series lead and eventually lost the first All-Filipino Conference crown to the Cool Smashers.

The two-time Reinforced Conference champions are determined to end their All-Filipino title drought and deny Creamline a fifth consecutive title.

Another key to Petro Gazz’s hopes is three-time MVP and veteran hitter Myla Pablo, who has been battling calf discomfort since the semifinals against Choco Mucho. Her recovery could be a deciding factor in the series finale.

Meanwhile, Creamline continues to thrive behind the contributions of its battle-tested core — Pangs Panaga, Michelle Gumabao and Jema Galanza — all of whom scored in double digits in Game 2.

Alyssa Valdez, the team’s captain and heart and soul, saw limited action in Game 2. She registered only one point during a brief appearance in the fourth set but provided inspiration from the sidelines.

“You never really know who will step up in Creamline,” Meneses said.

“Right now, it’s (Bernadeth) Pons and Jema Galanza’s time, but Alyssa (Valdez) can always come in when needed. Maybe next game (on Saturday) — we’ll see who gets the call for the championship.”

Meanwhile, in the battle for bronze, Choco Mucho and Akari — now tied at 1-1 — also square off on Saturday, with pride and a podium finish on the line.