CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Creamline and PetroGazz made quick work of their semifinal assignments Sunday to arrange a championship encounter for the second straight time.
Creamline, full-strength and not holding back punches, overpowered Motolite, 25-18, 25-15-25-8, for its 18th win in as many matches in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference.
It will defend its crown against PetroGazz, which earlier overwhelmed BanKo Perlas, 28-26, 25-17, 25-17.
Both swept their best-of-three semifinal series and fuelled their emerging rivalry in the league after battling it out during the recent Reinforced Conference.
“It’s going to be tough series because we know how strong is PetroGazz,” said Jia Morado, Creamline’s playmaker, who had 21 excellent sets.
“We need to work on our consistency and chemistry that’s what coach Tai (Bundit) is asking from us,” added the national team stalwart.
Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is on Nov. 6 at Filoil Flying V Centre. Motolite and BanKo Perlas clash for the bronze medal in a separate series.
Morado said the finals will be exciting because Creamline is out to avenge its loss to PetroGazz in the import-flavored conference.
“We still have a whole week to prepare against them and maybe we can work on our communications better,” added Morado who along with Alyssa Valdez divide time between the national team and Creamline.
PetroGazz leaned on its well-balanced system with Jovielyn Prado hitting 13 points. Stephanie Mercado and Jonah Sabete contributed 11 and 10 respectively, while Cherry Nunag had seven.
But the most telling aspect for the Angels was their defense which threw a wrench on the Perlas Spikers’ usually effective offense. PetroGazz scored 11 kill blocks — four coming from Jeanette Panaga — compared to BanKo’s two.