UNDEFEATED Creamline and surging Petro Gazz look to sustain their dominant form as they take on struggling opponents at the resumption of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries today at the Philsports Arena.

The Cool Smashers, displaying the poise of reigning champions, will battle a Farm Fresh squad desperate to improve its standing.

Currently with a 4-5 record, the Foxies need a strong finish to climb into the top six and face a lower-ranked opponent in the qualification round.

However, overcoming Creamline will be no easy task.

The Cool Smashers have been nearly unstoppable this season, boasting an impeccable 8-0 record.

With Jema Galanza, Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao leading the charge, and Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez getting back in their usual form, Creamline is on course for a possible sweep of the preliminaries.

“Our win against Chery Tiggo in three sets was a big deal. The team’s confidence is high, but of course, knowing Farm Fresh, they also have veteran recruits mixed with young players. They’re also showing a good performance this conference, so we will prepare well. I think it will be a great match,” said Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses.

After tonight’s 6:30 p.m. clash with Farm Fresh, only two more games remain in Creamline’s prelims campaign – against PLDT on Feb. 15 and Galeries Tower on Feb. 20.

Despite their underdog status, the Foxies possess the firepower to challenge the Cool Smashers.

Trisha Tubu, the third-best leading scorer in the league, hopes to bounce back from a disappointing performance in their previous loss to the High Speed Hitters.

Meanwhile, the 4 p.m. match also features a contrasting battle between the red-hot Angels and a struggling Capital1 side.

PetroGazz is riding the crest of a six-match winning streak, including a four-set triumph over ZUS Coffee for a 7-1 card.

Brooke Van Sickle, the No. 4 leading7 scorer in the tournament, has been a force in the Angels’ amazing winning run.

On the other hand, the Solar Spikers are in dire straits, having lost their last five matches in straight sets and sitting at the bottom of the standings with a 1-8 record.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado