CREAMLINE and PetroGazz add another chapter to a riveting Premier Volleyball League rivalry as the top two clubs face off for the first time in the Second All-Filipino Conference elims at the Philsports Arena today.

The Cool Smashers, playing for the first time since the Halloween, seeks to extend their winning run to five matches against an Angels side trying to break free from a four-way logjam in second place, at 6 p.m.

Looking good despite losing Jia de Guzman and Ced Domingo, who are currently bringing their talents overseas, Creamline remained untouchable in the tournament, as Kyle Negrito and Jeanette Panaga have ably filled the gaps left by the two stars.

PetroGazz, which is currently tied with Choco Mucho, PLDT and Chery Tiggo at 4-1, is trying to get back on the winning track. The Angels suffered their first loss, bowing to the Crossovers, 15-25, 25-27, 25-18, 23-25, last Saturday.

The High Speed Hitters, who like the Flying Titans have a four-game roll, are determined to stretch their winning run.

PLDT, which has not tasted defeat since dropping a four-setter to Cignal last Oct. 15, tangles with winless Galeries Tower at 2 p.m. while Chery Tiggo shoots for its third consecutive win against skidding Nxled side at 4 p.m.
F2 Logistics, dragged into a five-set duel by Farm Fresh last Tuesday, hopes to come out fresh and get better in chase of another crucial win against Gerflor, also winless in five games, in the 12 noon opener.

With the long break, the Cool Smashers will enter the match refreshed and recharged.

“Yung mga players, deserve muna nila ng pahinga. About PetroGazz, siguro hindi muna namin ii-stressin ang sarili namin,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

“Pagbalik naming sa court, saka na namin iisipin kasi kung lagi mong iniisip, baka hindi maganda yung maging laro. Relax lang kasi kahit sino naman makalaban namin, talagang pinaghahandaan namin,” he added.

The Cool Smashers brushed off a tough Foxies side, 25-21, 21-25, 25-20, 25-22, last Oct. 31.

The defeat to the Crossovers will motivate the Angels, as coach Timmy Sto. Tomas is looking forward for his troops on how to respond from the rough patch.

Ranya Musa, Panaga’s teammate in College of Saint Benilde’s improbable 2016 NCAA title run, has gotten her second wind with PetroGazz, connecting well with Djanel Cheng.

The Angels’ firepower can match up well with the Cool Smashers with Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jonah Sabete leading the way.

But Michele Gumabao has been solid for Creamline this conference, with Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos also delivering the goods.