Smashers, Angels renew rivalry

While Creamline is expected to get better, fiercer in the upcoming Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference Finals with a complete roster, PetroGazz is also tipped to reach peak form and ready to deliver another blow to its highly fancied rival.

Game 1 is set on 6 November with the Cool Smashers not only itching to keep the crown they won in straight-set fashion over the Ateneo Lady Eagles last year, but also get back at the team that foiled their title-retention drive in the first conference.

Conversely, the Angels are out to prove themselves as a worthy challenger, if not the better team like they did when they rallied from a game down and swept the Cool Smashers in the next two to snatch the Reinforced Conference diadem last July.

The Angels did that feat largely because of their prolific imports in Janisa Johnson and Wilma Salas, but coach Arnold Laniog believes his locals have the talent, spunk and motivation, plus commitment to stop their star-studded rivals in their coming duel.

“We have to stay committed and that would only make our goal a lot easier,” said Laniog while pointing to Jonah Sabete and Jovie Prado as his two prized possessions along with Cherry Nunag, Paneng Mercado, Jeanette Panaga, Cai Baloaloa, Alyssa Layug, Djanel Cheng, Relea Saet, Rica Enclona and Cienne Cruz.

“I’m happy, I have Sabete and Prado. In terms of production, we really talked to them after the Reinforced and told them that they need to step up in the Open Conference,” Laniog added.