Tots Carlos and coach Sherwin Meqneses have all reasons to be happy as Creamline is the only unbeaten team in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference. PVL photo
Creamline F2 in vital encounter
CREAMLINE and F2 Logistics square off in a key Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum tonight.
The Cool Smashers stake their unbeaten run on the line against a Cargo Movers side trying to stay within the top four range at 6 p.m.
Both clubs are coming off contrasting wins – with Creamline battling back from 1-2 set down to frustrate struggling PetroGazz last Thursday and F2 Logistics making short work of minnows Gerflor.
The Cool Smashers hold a league-best 5-0 record, while the Cargo Movers are sitting in sixth place with a 4-2 record.
Chery Tiggo is running second with a 6-1 record, while Choco Mucho is not far behind at 5-1.
F2 Logistics hopes to join idle Cignal and PLDT in a triple tie at 5-2.
Michele Gumabao has been solid all-conference long for the Cool Smashers being the league’s top spiker, while Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons are expected to count on when the going gets tough.
Kyle Negrito, who was able to filter all the outside noise about her capabilities being Creamline’s new starting setter, is ready to go in marquee matches like this one.
“Mas nagpo-focus kami kung paano ilalabas ang laro namin,” said Pons.
Health has been an issue for the Cargo Movers all-tournament long, with Myla Pablo joining Kim Kianna Dy in the sidelines the last time out.
But young standouts Ivy Lacsina, Jolina dela Cruz and Mars Alba together with veterans Aby Maraño and Ara Galang are more than ready to lead F2 Logistics.
Meanwhile, Akari tries to arrest a two-game skid as it tangles with sister Nxled side at 4 p.m. following the 2 p.m. clash of winless teams between Gerflor and Farm Fresh.
After an impressive 3-1 start, the Chargers dropped to eighth place with losses to the HD Spikers and the Flying Titans.
The Chameleons, who fell to ninth with a 1-5 slate, could not catch a break after routing the Defenders in the conference opener last Oct. 15, having lost their last five matches.
The 0-7 Foxies have shown a lot of promise of late, particularly after dragging the Cargo Movers to five sets last Nov. 7.
Whether Gerflor, which has a 0-6 record along with idle Galeries Tower, has brushed off all the internal issues that went viral last week has remain to be seen.
