Creamline, Akari put streaks on line

Alta Sports25 days ago · 469 views

Creamline, Akari put streaks on line image

Photo: PVL

By Rachel Gonzales

Creamline and Akari square off in a crucial battle for position as two of the league’s hottest teams collide in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Filoil Centre.

Creamline heads into the 4 p.m. showdown riding a five-game winning streak, against Akari, which won three consecutive matches.

Photo: PVL

After a straight-sets loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters on Feb. 5, the 10-time champions have since rediscovered their rhythm, remaining unbeaten for over a month.

The Cool Smashers turn to the spiking trio of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Bernadeth Pons and ace setter Jia De Guzman against the Chargers, who have a chance to get the solo fourth place with a 3-3 record.

Akari banks on Mars Alba, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, and libero Justine Jazareno.

Photo: PVL

Meanwhile, the 6:30 p.m. match features the struggling Nxled squad seeking to snap a four-game losing streak against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, who are also trying to halt a similar slide.

Nxled nearly ended its skid against Creamline last Saturday, pushing the league powerhouse to a grueling five-set duel before faltering late.

Coach Ettore Guidetti is expected to lean on the core of Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, and Myla Pablo, with support from EJ Laure, Chiara Permentilla, Lyann de Guzman, Jonah Escamillan, and Ranya Musa to recover from a 3-4 card.

The Thunderbelles, meanwhile, will rely on veterans and rising players such as Jovelyn Gonzaga, Thea Gagate, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Chai Troncoso, Renee Peñafiel, and Cess Robles, with playmaker Cloanne Mondonedo orchestrating the offense as they try to climb out of the cellar with a 1-6 record.

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