Cool Smashers, Angels renew grudge rivalry with lead share at stake

Alyssa Valdez: Creamline leader —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Creamline welcomes back the prolific Tots Carlos on Tuesday when the Cool Smashers and Petro Gazz add another chapter to their seething rivalry as they dispute a share of the early lead in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference eliminations at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

After watching her teammates carve out a tough 25-22, 25-18, 26-28, 25-22 victory over the PLDT High Speed Hitters last Thursday, Carlos rejoins the side that will be trying to complete a Grand Slam here, with her debut coming against an Angels’ side that’s itching to avenge a couple of finals losses.

Petro Gazz is technically the defending champion, winning in 2019 and having kept the title throughout the pandemic when the conference wasn’t held.

That was the last time Petro Gazz defeated Creamline in a title series, as the Cool Smashers ruled the Open Conference at the Angels’ expense in 2019 and this year.

Idle Chery Tiggo has a 2-0 record and will be one of only two unbeaten teams in this single round affair after the 5:20 p.m. clash between Creamline and Petro Gazz.

With Carlos returning, Creamline has another solid option after Alyssa Valdez, import Yeliz Basa, Jema Galanza and the ever-reliable Ced Domingo, who was big in that win over PLDT. Domingo finished with 17 points in plugging the hole left by Carlos, who was scratched before game time because of a sore back.

Domingo, the finals Most Valuable Player in the Invitationals, clinched Player of the Game honors against the High Speed Hitters, while Valdez flashed another vintage performance with her own 17-point output she spiked with 13 excellent receptions and the same number of excellent digs.

Import Lindsey Vander Weide and Jonah Sabete will be spearheading the Angels.

And while the powerhouses will be slugging it out, UAI-Army and F2 shoot to break through after sorry starts to their respective campaigns as they take the lid off of a two-game bill at 2:30 p.m.

The Lady Troopers yielded to the High Speed Hitters in five and to the newcomer Akari Chargers in three while the Cargo Movers bowed to the Crossovers in three with a depleted roster and then lost to the Flying Titans in four.