Creamline takes on F2, Cignal faces PLDT in semis

CREAMLINE and F2 Logistics face-off in a much-awaited duel of teams teeming with talents even as Cignal and PLDT tangle in an equally engaging clash kicking off the semifinal round of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig today (Thursday).

The top elims finishers slug it out at 6:30 p.m. in a match tipped to draw in the crowds eager to watch the teams crowing with firepower and pride with the Cool Smashers all primed for their title-retention drive with a solid crew that anchored their sweep of Pool A.

But the Cargo Movers, who topped Pool B, are raring to prove their worth with a roster reinforced by three top rookies who are out to level up against an experienced Creamline side in what promises to be a drawn out battle not only of power but also of strategies and mental toughness.

Expect Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses and counterpart Regine Diego to go to their main players in a bid to gain the needed momentum and confidence, guaranteeing a highly-charged duel among Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, Ced Domingo and Jia De Guzman and Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, Ivy Lacsina, Aby Maraño, Myla Pablo and Kim Domingo.

Bench support will also be crucial with Kyle Negrito, Risa Sato, Pangs Panaga and Bernadette Pons ready to provide support for Creamline and F2 Logistics expecting to draw big games from Ara Galang and rookies Jolina dela Cruz, Mars Alba and Jovelyn Fernandez.

Stamina will also come into play as all four teams are coming into the semis exhausted following a grueling campaign in the elims that produced a number of five-set results.

In fact, PLDT went through a two-hour, 42-minute grind to outlast Chery Tiggo in five sets late Tuesday and clinch the last semis slot in a match marked by a record 45-minute battle in the fourth set.

get used to this and I will keep thanking you and all the people that helped me get where I am now and where I’m going,” said the 31-year-old Davaoeno.

But there’s one thing that remains a dream for Aranas.

“Ang pangarap ko po talaga is maging national athlete. Gusto kong dalhin ang bandera ng Pilipinas tuwing lalaban ako,” said Aranas in his talk with members of the Philippine Sportswriters Association.

Aranas said he is just waiting for the Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines to hold a national tryout so that he could participate.

“Whatever it takes po, gagawin ko talagang makapasok sa national team,” he added.

Aranas has long been competing as a professional shortly after playing together with Chua in their elementary days in Baesa, Quezon City.

“Actually si James, ready hinog na hinog na ‘yan for national team. Sana magkaroon na ng qualifying para magkasama na din kami,” said Chua, a national team member for several years now.

The World Cup pair will compete again in the coming $100,000 Sharks International 9-Ball Open slated on July 24 to 29 at the Sharks Arena along Tomas Morato in Quezon City.

The tournament will serve as qualification for the 2024 Summer Olympics, where the top two teams from each of the Americas and Europe, and the top team from each of Africa, Asia and Oceania, will qualify alongside the tournament’s host France.

Teams coming from 16 out of the 32 countries, which will come to the Philippines in the third week of August, will have a chance for some sort of meetups for fans that organizers will allow before action gets going on Aug. 25.

“We will surprise everyone. This will really be a world-class basketball event,” said Joint Management Committee head John Lucas.

Before the featured matchup between the Philippines and the Dominican Republic on August 25, the opening ceremonies are expected to be crowd-drawer, featuring performances from The Dawn, Ben & Ben, and Sarah Geronimo.

The facilities inside the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila, and Philsports Complex in Pasig, will serve a training facilities for the players, many of whom are professional players from the NBA and are playing for their respective national teams.