CREAMLINE tries to break away from a three-way tie in first place as the defending champions tangle with winless Strong Group Athletics today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena.

Ranged against the league debutants who are still trying to figure out the right combinations to become competitive, the Cool Smashers are tipped to prevail in the 4 p.m. match.

Coming off a 25-22, 25-17, 25-15 romp over Galeries Tower last Thursday, Creamline is currently level with Cignal and Choco Mucho for the league’s best record at 3-0.

Despite the favorable odds, team captain Alyssa Valdez urges caution among the Cool Smashers, emphasizing the coaching staff’s advice “not to become too complacent” while stressing the need for respect and maintaining their aggressiveness against every team in the league.

Tots Carlos, currently ranked fifth in scoring, will preside Creamline’s offense as coach Sherwin Meneses is expected to dig deep from his 14-strong roster if everything falls into place.

For SGA, tied with Nxled and Galeries Tower at the bottom of the standings, it is all about gaining more experience playing against one of the league’s powerhouses.

Dolly Verzosa, who is making most out of her PVL debut, is the most consistent player for Strong Group not only in scoring but also in defense.

The Chameleons and the Highrisers collide in the day’s other match at 6 p.m.

Despite early struggles against top teams like the Flying Titans, the HD Spikers and PLDT, Nxled, with the entry of Ivy Lacsina, has shown some improvements from last year’s debut.

The Highrisers, who like the Chameleons have yet to win a set in the tournament, are hoping to play better to achieve a breakthrough, especially that they are ranked last in the spiking department.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado