CREAMLINE expects to roll past newcomer Gerflor after sweeping a retooled Chery Tiggo side the other night as the Cool Smashers try to make it back-to-back in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference eliminations at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
With a system that netted them six championships, the defending champions believe they can withstand any challenge — both from old and new — as they set out against the Defenders in the 1:30 p.m. opener of another triple-bill in the mid-season offering of the PVL.
“Actually, our system is set. We’re just mastering our actions no matter who we’re up against. Of course, our priority is to understand each other as a team,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“When we’re great during training, we have a good shot against any team. If we win, then great. That’s what I preach during training, ‘improve every day,’” said Meneses, whose wards are tipped to clinch one of the top two spots in Group A after beating the Crossovers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17.
The Defenders, however, are ready and eager to spring a surprise behind a mix of veteran and rookie campaigners headed by setters Fhen Emnas and Ivy Perez, former HD Spikers players Ranya Musa and Rap Aguilar, Mina Aganon and Janine Navarro, and first-timers Alyssa Bertolano and Ethan Arce.