BaliPure and defending champion Pocari Sweat have their sights set on a battle for the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference crown.
Can Creamline, armed with the country’s best player, and Power Smashers do something about it?
BaliPure and Pocari Sweat took Game 1 of their respective best-of-three semifinal series to move within a win of making the championship round, but both squads will have to contend with teams whose backs are now against the wall when they take the court at PhilSports Arena.
The Water Defenders took down the Cool Smashers, 22-25, 25-23, 25-14, 25-21, and hope to withstand an expected fierce stand by Creamline, which is spearheaded by Alyssa Valdez, arguably the most talented player in the country today.
Also bannering the Creamline charge are imports Laura Schaudt and Kuttika Kaewpin.
BaliPure is also hoping Jennifer Keddy and Joroensri Bualee, along with locals Risa Sato and Aiko Urdas, can finish the job.
Defending champion Pocari Sweat defeated the Power Smashers, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 22-25, 15-12, in Game 1 of their own series but will face a tougher closeout match as import Krystal Rivers has yet to secure her International Transfer Certificate.
The Lady Warriors have had to rely on Michelle Strizak and a host of hardworking locals led by heavy hitter Myla Pablo, Jeanetta Panaga, Cai Nepomuceno, Elaine Kasilang, Desiree Dadang and Gyzelle Sy.
Meanwhile, Army and Sta. Elena seek to make the finals outright against Air Force and Cignal HD, respectively, in the men’s semifinals.
The Troopers upset the top seed Air Force Jet Spikers, 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-20, while the Sta. Elena Wrecking Balls stunned the No. 2 Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 24-26, 25-22, 30-28.