Creamline and Chery Tiggo seek to keep their grip of the lead when they battle separate foes Thursday, July 22, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The Cool Smashers square off with the Black Mamba Army Lady Troopers at 3 p.m. while the Crossovers tackle the BaliPure Water Defenders at 6 p.m.
Creamline and Chery Tiggo tote identical 2-0 marks. The Cool Smashers are coming off a 24-26, 28-26, 25-22, 25-20 victory over old rival Petro Gazz Angels last Tuesday while the Crossovers’ latest win came at the expense of the Cignal HD Spikers last Monday, 25-16, 25-13, 25-19.
Creamline acting coach Sherwin Meneses said they would need to play better to sustain the run.
“Maganda sana laruin namin next time,” said Meneses, who is temporary holding the reins in the absence of headcoach Tai Bundit, who is currently in Manila completing his quarantine before travelling to Laoag.
Alyssa Valdez struggled a bit but still finish with a triple-double effort of 16 points she laced with 13 kills, 21 digs and 18 receptions while Jeanette Panaga, Michele Gumabao and Risa Sato chipped in 15, 12 and 11 hits, respectively.
New recruit Tots Carlos also provided the spark late and contributed seven points, all coming when the team needed it most.
But their opponents are not to be intimidated as Black Mamba Army hopes to draw strength from its 25-16, 25-27, 25-21, 26-24 win over BaliPure last Tuesday that evened its tally at 1-1.
Roys Tubino and Jovelyn Gonzaga are excepted to lead the Lady Troopers once again after a combined 32-point output the last time, with help coming from Ging Balse-Pabayo and Joanne Bunag.
In the other matchup, sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat banner Chery Tiggo against BaliPure’s Grazielle Bombita and Bernadette Flora.