Creamline Cool Smashers. PVL PHOTO
It took five grueling, hard-fought sets for Creamline to get into the final of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
And the Cool Smashers didn’t play a single second of it.
Now armed with a shot at a title that comes with a bonus, the chance to represent the country in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Cup, Creamline isn’t looking past who it would possibly battle in the one-game championship showdown.
“We haven’t thought about that because the PVL isn’t over yet. We are taking things one game at a time,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
Guest team Kingwhale-Taipei did all of the heavy lifting for Creamline when it cracked PLDT in a tense five-setter last Tuesday at Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. The victory by the Taiwanese club ensured that there will be no matching the Cool Smashers’ 3-0 record.
And even if Creamline does lose its last game, a 4 p.m. duel against Kingwhale on Friday, the Cool Smashers will still be playing for the title as owners of the second best record.
The top two teams at the end of the five-team semifinal will contest the Invitational crown.
“Whichever team we’d be facing in the finals, we’re excited,” said Meneses, who has been drawing great games from Tots Carlos, who has been the brightest star in a club boasting enviable talent depth.
PLDT’s slim chance
“PLDT and Kingwhale have different systems. Though we beat PLDT in the semis, it was a struggle and I know they will be extra motivated if they get to the final,” said Meneses.
“We’ll be facing Kingwhale tomorrow and they are very exciting,” he added. “But it will all depend on our team what kind of game we’d play since it’s a winner-take-all final.”
PLDT’s final hopes, which loomed bright after two semifinal games, has now dimmed and the High Speed Hitters (2-2) need the Taiwanese squad to drop its remaining matches against Creamline and Cignal to stay in contention via the tiebreak.
Cignal and Kingwhale clash on Saturday, at 4 p.m. in San Juan City. The winner-take-all final is set on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. after the 2:30 p.m. clash for third, at MOA Arena.