Creamline, PLDT dispute finals spot

Games today:

(Araneta Coliseum)

4 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Cignal

6:30 p.m. — Creamline vs PLDT

It’s going to be a war as unbeaten Creamline and PLDT collide for the right to advance to the finals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The titanic battle is set at 6:30 p.m. with both the Cool Smashers and the High Speed Hitter oozing with momentum after winning their respective quarterfinal battle in dominant fashion.

Creamline’s championship line is unquestioned. Led by Kyle Negrito, who is coming off a five-ace, Player of the Game performance against Farm Fresh, the Cool Smashers have the experience, balance and composure that has made them the league’s gold standard for years.

“We know it won’t be easy,” Negrito said.

“PLDT’s confidence is really high now, and we need to be ready for that.”

Indeed, PLDT has looked every inch a title threat, going 6-0 with just a single set dropped en route to the semifinal phase. Coach Rald Ricafort’s squad has gelled into a disciplined, dangerous unit, hitting its peak at the perfect time.

With a frontline led by the imposing trio of Majoy Baron, Kim Dy and Mika Reyes, the High Speed Hitters have turned the net into a fortress — turning away spikes and dousing rallies with demoralizing blocks.

Back from a well-deserved break, Savi Davison wasted no time reminding everyone what she brings to the High Speed Hitters. The Filipino-Canadian standout marked her return with a commanding 28-point performance, steering PLDT to a dominant straight-sets win over the overmatched ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the quarterfinals.

With Davison back in top form, PLDT could be on track for a dream finish in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.

But Creamline is built to absorb pressure and strike back. With Alyssa Valdez in vintage form, Jema Galanza thriving in clutch moments, and Michele Gumabao providing consistent production, Negrito has a full arsenal of options at her disposal.

The team’s defensive core, anchored by Kyla Atienza, will be critical in diffusing PLDT’s attacks, while Pangs Panaga, Sheena Toring and Lorie Bernardo are expected to hold their own at the net.

In many ways, this match may come down to who flinches first. Both sides know each other well. Both are well-coached, well-prepared, and brimming with talent.

Whether it’s Creamline’s calm under pressure or PLDT’s hunger to break through, the main event promises a classic — a slugfest that could swing on a single play or adjustment.

At 4 p.m., Chery Tiggo and Cignal mix it up in a sudden-death showdown that may lack the glamor of the nightcap but matches it in stakes and intensity. Both teams also swept their quarterfinal foes to earn their semis tickets and will be eager to stake their claim in the final.

Chery Tiggo remains a work in progress — but a dangerous one. With veterans Ara Galang, Cess Robles and Aby Maraño guiding young guns like Renee Peñafiel, Jyne Soreno and Erika Deloria, the Crossovers are slowly finding the rhythm and cohesion needed for a title run. Add in the ever-improving Imee Hernandez and Chery Tiggo becomes a team no one can take lightly.

On the other side, Cignal banks on offseason recruit Erika Santos, who has taken on a major scoring role. But for the HD Spikers to thrive, they’ll need more than just her heroics. Key contributions from the likes of Roselyn Doria, Tin Tiamzon, Jackie Acuña, setter Gel Cayuna and rising rookies Erin Pangilinan and Jessa Ordiales will be essential in matching Chery’s firepower and versatility.