Akali Chargers’ Grethel Saltness plays against the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL. MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines – First a power outage. Then a tropical storm. After multiple postponements, Akari and Cream Line were finally set to play Wednesday night in a showdown that will etch their names in Premier Volleyball League (PVL) history.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for these two clubs, each chasing history in their own way.
Article continues after this ad
The knockout-style showdown for the coveted Enhanced Conference crown comes down to a single decisive match that could define one team’s season and cement the other’s tradition of dominance.
Originally scheduled to be held at the sprawling Smart Araneta Coliseum, the highly anticipated showdown has been moved to the more intimate PhilSports Arena in Pasig, but for the players, the change of venue is inconsequential compared to the huge prize money at stake.
For Akari, the game marks the realization of a dream that once seemed impossible: Against overwhelming odds, the Chargers now sit on the brink of glory after an astounding 10-game winning streak in a tournament filled with top international recruits.
Article continues after this ad
Read: Akali vs Creamline PVL Finals postponed due to entanglement
For Creamline, this is another chance to prove that they remain the pinnacle and ultimate benchmark of Philippine women’s volleyball even without their three star players who played key roles in Akari’s journey to eight championships, including a conference sweep, which they are now aspiring to achieve.
The Kool Smashers have proven time and time again that they can adapt to any situation, and tonight is their perfect opportunity to do just that.
The road to the final wasn’t easy for either team. Both Akari and Creamline fought tough five-set matches in the semi-finals, with each match a test of patience, skill and mental toughness.
The Final Four was further complicated by the delay of both semifinal games due to a power outage in Pasig, which raised expectations and intensified the already intense competition among the participating teams.
Creamline’s road to the finals wasn’t always smooth, but after losing two sets to the HD Spikers, the Cool Smashers survived multiple match points to reach the finals, once again showcasing the grit and spirit that they’ve made a name for in women’s volleyball.
Read: Creamline and Akali clash for PVL Reinforced Conference title
Meanwhile, Akari also had their share of drama and some shaky moments off the court, especially in their semi-final against PLDT, but throughout it all, Taka Minowa’s Chargers remained strong and proved why they are a team to be reckoned with.
The one-match final between Akali and Creamline, originally scheduled for Monday, was postponed again due to Tropical Storm Enteng, with the match being pushed back to this evening (Wednesday). Far from dampening morale, the postponement has only sparked interest and excitement among fans and the players themselves.
Akali star Oli Okaro may have more firepower, leadership and consistency than creamline’s Erica Stanton, but Stanton’s 38-point explosion against Signal in the semifinals underscored her growing influence on the team.
Coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized Creamline’s uncanny ability to thrive in tough situations. Despite being short-handed, the Cool Smashers have proven they can perform exceptionally when it matters most, which makes them a dangerous opponent even for an undefeated team like Akali.
As both teams prepare for a match with no tomorrow, the outcome will depend on composure under pressure and perhaps the unpredictability of the match.
The three-match series will kick off with two guest teams from the invitational conference, Estcora from Thailand and defending champion Kurashiki from Japan.
Est Cola will be presented by Thailand’s under-20 team, led by promising 19-year-old setter Kanokpong Santhong.
Est Cola’s head coaching staff is also star-studded, with Wanna Buakaw serving as head coach and Thai superstar Plumjit Tinkaow as one of the team’s vice-coaches.
Meanwhile, the Ablaze, who are preparing for their first match in the newly established SV League, feature 2023 Invitational Tournament MVP Kyoka Oshima and ace libero Kaoru Takahashi.
Ahead of the semi-finals of the reinforced conference, Akari and PLDT declined invitations to participate in the third conference this season due to injuries to key players.
Farm Fresh will take their place, joining Cream Line and Signal to complete the five-team cast.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
The subscription was successfully completed.
The bronze medal match between Strengthened Conference sister teams Cignal and PLDT is scheduled for first serve at 4 p.m.
