While Creamline is expected to get better, fiercer in the upcoming 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 One is set on Nov. 6 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 very team that foiled their title-retention drive in the first conference of the third season of the country’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.
Conversely, the Angels are out to re-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 achieved 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,” added Laniog.
They did and the Angels are back for another crack at a PVL championship.
But again—against the most feared team in the fold, which is only expected to get better, stronger, fiercer when the first serve is made next Wednesday.
Not only Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado would get more time to re-acquaint with their teammates after a brief camp with the National team in Japan but the Cool Smashers would be also be driven by that desire to complete a grand sweep of the conference after posting 18 wins in row to reach the finals.
“Were just happy being all together and hopefully mas magkaroon pa kami ng connection in the finals,” said Valdez, who also boasts of a solid backup crew made up of Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Pau Soriano, Kyle Negrito, Risa Sato, Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Celine Domingo, Rosemarie Vargas, Melissa Gohing, Kyla Atienza and Morado.
