One triumph does not crown a champion team, as Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses aptly emphasized: “The battle isn’t over yet. It’s just 1-0. We need to secure two wins, so there’s really no reason to celebrate just yet.”
Indeed, the best-of-three series for the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference title remains wide open. However, with the Cool Smashers’ 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16 victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Thursday, the momentum undeniably shifted in favor of the defending champions.
After a shaky performance in the prelims and an initial setback against Choco Mucho in the semis, Creamline emerged as the slight underdog entering their 11th PVL Finals. Yet, the Cool Smashers showed unparalleled resolve and championship composure, rallying in three sets to clinch a morale-boosting triumph, positioning themselves on the cusp of a third consecutive AFC crown and eighth championship overall.
While acknowledging the significance of seizing Game One, Meneses emphasized the need for relentless dedication and unwavering focus.
“It’s important that we got Game One, but we need to buckle down and focus on the next game,” he said.
These words reverberated through the team’s locker room, grounding every player in the reality that their journey is far from complete. The championship may seem within reach, but it demands nothing less than absolute commitment and unyielding effort.
As they prepare for practice, the Cool Smashers are expected to don expressions of steely determination, knowing that every serve, spike and dive must be executed with precision and purpose. There are no shortcuts, more so, no room for complacency, especially against a formidable opponent like Choco Mucho.
In Sunday’s Game 2, each player understands her role and is prepared to deliver nothing short of their best. Meneses’ strategic prowess outshone his counterpart, Dante Alinsunurin, leveraging the full potential of his support cast while fostering composure during critical moments.
Yet, Choco Mucho remains a force to be reckoned with. Despite missed opportunities in previous encounters, they are poised to retaliate. Alinsunurin will undoubtedly devise plays and strategies to halt the Cool Smashers, fueling a more intense clash of power, styles and poise.
While Sisi Rondina and Royse Tubino spearhead Choco Mucho’s offensive, the team seeks greater support from players like Isa Molde, Maddie Madayag and Maika Ortiz. This guarantees a nerve-wracking battle where every point becomes a testament to resilience and determination.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz sets its sights on sweeping Chery Tiggo in their own series for the bronze, further intensifying the competition in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.