MANILA, Philippines – In a pair of semifinal games in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference intended to settle old scores, top seed Creamline squares off against No. 4 F2 Logistics while second-ranked Petro Gazz squares off with No. 3 PLDT.

The grudge best-of-three series between the top teams to emerge from the elimination process aren’t just about getting an advantage; they’re also about imposing or re-imposing one’s will, ensuring a pair of nail-biting matches that are likely to come down to the last serve, rapid attack or combination play, or simple kill.

Also, it’s about earning the confidence and momentum necessary in a brief series to have a chance at winning the most sought championship in every PVL season.

At 4 p.m., the Cool Smashers—who are commanded by Myla Pablo and Kim Dy—and the Cargo Movers will square off. The Cool Smashers are composed of talented individuals like Tots Carlos, Ced Domingo, Michele Gumabao, Pangs Panaga, and Jema Galanza. The reigning champions are eager to exact revenge on the team that derailed their attempt to sweep them and handed them their lone loss in the semifinals on February 18 by defeating them in five sets. This will take place today (Saturday) at the Philsports Arena.

But, F2 Logistics, supported by Aby Marao, Ara Galang, and Ivy Lacsina, is more than prepared to demonstrate its true worth, and the Cargo Movers are so tenacious that they will go all the way to the championship after making their maiden appearance in postseason action of the nation’s top league, run by Sports Vision.

Around 6:30 p.m., PLDT departs for its 6:30 p.m. confrontation with Petro Gazz taking advantage of the alleged psychological edge following the High Speed Hitters’ also-in-five defeat of the Angels on February 23.

But, team togetherness is just as important as mental toughness, and despite losing to their respective Final Four opponents, the Cool Smashers and the Angels both seem to have gelled successfully.

But, F2 Logistics, supported by Aby Marao, Ara Galang, and Ivy Lacsina, is more than prepared to demonstrate its true worth, and the Cargo Movers are so tenacious that they will go all the way to the championship after making their maiden appearance in postseason action of the nation’s top league, run by Sports Vision.

Around 6:30 p.m., PLDT departs for its 6:30 p.m. confrontation with Petro Gazz taking advantage of the alleged psychological edge following the High Speed Hitters’ also-in-five defeat of the Angels on February 23.

But, team togetherness is just as important as mental toughness, and despite losing to their respective Final Four opponents, the Cool Smashers and the Angels both seem to have gelled successfully.

In order to avoid playing the dominant Cool Smashers, who swept them last March 7, Ricafort’s wards defeated the Choco Mucho in four the other night to clinch third place. “I will select the Angels rather than those horrible games vs Creamline,” Ricafort stated.

Oliver Almadro, the Petro Gazz coach, is a skilled motivator as well; his gimmicks, suggestions, and playing style may easily throw the opposition team’s play-patterns off-guard.

The former Ateneo coach also expresses confidence in his ability to bring Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Pontillas, Remy Palma, MJ Phillips, and Jonah Sabete the types of games he anticipates from them given their semi-final performances.