PVL: Akari, Creamline finally meet; Invitationals push through

Akari Chargers’ Grethcel Soltones against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–First, a power outage. Then, a tropical storm. After multiple delays, Akari and Creamline are finally ready to settle the score Wednesday night in a showdown that would very well etch their names in the annals of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history.

The stakes couldn’t be higher for these two clubs, each chasing history in their unique style.

The knockout duel for the coveted Reinforced Conference crown comes down to a single, decisive match that could define one team’s season and cement the other’s legacy of dominance.

Originally set at the sprawling Smart Araneta Coliseum, the much-anticipated showdown has been moved to the more intimate Philsports Arena in Pasig. But for the players, the change of venue is insignificant compared to the enormity of the prize at stake.

For Akari, this match represents the culmination of a dream that once seemed far-fetched. Overcoming overwhelming odds, the Chargers now stand just one heartbeat away from claiming glory, armed with a staggering 10-game winning streak in a tournament packed with top-tier international reinforcements.

READ: Akari-Creamline PVL Finals game postponed due to Enteng

For Creamline, it’s another chance to prove that it remains the pinnacle of women’s volleyball in the Philippines, the ultimate benchmark, even without three of its star players who have been instrumental in their march to eight championships, including a conference sweep that Akari’s now eager to achieve.

The Cool Smashers have shown time and again that they can rise to any occasion, and tonight, they have a golden opportunity to do just that.

The road to the finals hasn’t been easy for either team. Both Akari and Creamline had to battle through five grueling sets in the semifinals, each match a test of endurance, skill and mental fortitude.

The Final Four was further complicated by a power outage in Pasig that delayed both semifinals, heightening anticipation and intensifying the already fierce competition among the contending teams.

Creamline’s path to the finals was anything but straightforward. After going down two sets against the HD Spikers, the Cool Smashers saved multiple match points to secure a spot in the final, once again showcasing the grit and character that have marked their rise to women’s volley fame.

READ: Creamline, Akari collide for all the PVL Reinforced Conference marbles

Meanwhile, Akari had its own share of drama, particularly in its semifinal clash against PLDT, which even saw anxious moments off the court. But through it all, the Taka Minowa-mentored Chargers remained steadfast, proving why they are a team to be reckoned with.

Originally scheduled for Monday, the one-game finals between Akari and Creamline had to be postponed once more due to tropical storm Enteng, pushing the match to tonight (Wednesday). Far from dampening spirits, the delay has only fueled interest and excitement, not just among the fans but also the players themselves.

Akari’s star player Oly Okaro may have the edge over Creamline’s Erica Staunton in terms of firepower, leadership and consistency, but Staunton’s 38-point explosion against Cignal in the semis underscores her growing influence within the team.

Coach Sherwin Meneses has emphasized Creamline’s uncanny ability to thrive in tough situations. Even with an understaffed roster, the Cool Smashers have proven they can deliver exceptional performances when it matters most. This makes them a dangerous opponent, even for an unbeaten team like Akari.

As both teams gear up for this no-tomorrow match, the outcome may very well come down to poise under pressure – and perhaps, the unpredictable breaks of the game.

Opening the three-game slate will be the two guest teams for the Invitational Conference as Thailand’s Est Cola takes on defending champion Kurashiki of Japan.

Est Cola will be presented by the under-20 team of Thailand, headlined by up-and-coming 19-year-old setter Kanokporn Sangthong.

Star-studded is the head coaching staff of Est Cola as well with Wanna Buakaew serving as head coach while Thai superstar Pleumjit Thinkaow will be one of the team’s deputies.

On the other hand, the Ablaze, who are preparing for their inaugural campaign in the newly-formed SV.League, is bannered by 2023 Invitationals MVP Ohsima Kyoka and ace libero Takahashi Kaoru.

Even prior to the semifinal of the Reinforced Conference, Akari and PLDT have declined the invitation to join the third conference of the season, citing injuries to key players.

Farm Fresh will take their place while Creamline and Cignal complete the five-team cast.

The bronze medal match in the Reinforced Conference between sister teams Cignal and PLDT is scheduled to have its first serve at 4 p.m.