MANILA, Philippines – The last game between the Petro Gazz Angels and the Creamline Cool Smashers will decide the PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Cool Smashers are aiming to build on the momentum they already have after forcing a winner-take-all championship game with an explosive five-set victory on Tuesday, but they are still apprehensive of the Angels’ anticipated comeback.
Following their victory in Game 2, volleyball player Jia de Guzman commented on the momentum of the game, acknowledging that while it may have seemed to be in their favor, the nature of the sport means that anything can happen. She cautioned against underestimating their opponent, Petro Gazz, noting that they had put up a strong fight in the previous match and that the team could not afford to let their guard down. De Guzman’s comments suggest that the team is approaching the upcoming Game 3 with a level-headed mindset and a healthy respect for their opponents.
Creamline’s history in Game 3 finals matches in the PVL has been a mixed bag, with the team having experienced both the highs and lows of these crucial contests. While they have made it to two Game 3 finals matches, their track record in such games is less than ideal. In the 2019 Reinforced Conference and the 2021 Open Conference, Creamline fell short in the championship games despite having made it to the final round.
Despite this history, head coach Sherwin Meneses remains optimistic about the team’s chances in their upcoming Game 3 final match. According to Meneses, two critical factors will be key to their success: poise and a fierce desire to win. In a high-stakes game like this, the ability to remain calm and focused under pressure can be the difference between victory and defeat. Likewise, a strong sense of motivation and a relentless drive to come out on top can propel a team to new heights of performance. By emphasizing these qualities, Meneses hopes to guide Creamline to a much-needed win and a long-awaited championship victory.
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses emphasized the importance of heart, composure, and doubling their efforts in Game 3 of the PVL conference. According to Meneses, the players must show twice the heart they exhibited in the previous games and maintain their composure in the face of pressure. He believes that having composure is crucial in a pressure game, as it allows the players to perform well and make good decisions. With the championship on the line, Creamline must step up their game and execute their plays flawlessly to avoid another Game 3 defeat.
As per Tots Carlos, the team’s communication, support, and execution were the significant factors that led them to the win. The execution of the strategies that they have been practicing in training showed in the game, which was a critical factor. However, she acknowledged that there is still room for improvement, particularly in their communication, which they would work on before deciding Game 3. Carlos also emphasized that the team’s hunger for the championship title should be present in the final game, which is crucial for them to come out victorious.
