Multi-titled defending champion Creamline and Petro Gazz try to reaffirm their mastery over their lower-seeded rivals at the start of their respective best-of-three quarterfinals series in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, March 18.

The top-seeded Cool Smashers clash with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 4 p.m., while the second seed Angels collide with the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles at 6:30 p.m.

Given the other series going the distance, Creamline and Petro Gazz are not taking their rivals lightly despite entering as the heavy favorites in their respective matchups.

The Cool Smashers are eager to keep their bid for a fifth straight All-Filipino title alive, with a powerhouse cast led by Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Bernadeth Pons and Alyssa Valdez anchoring the squad.

They also hope to deliver the same firepower they did in their last duel against the Crossovers last Feb. 6, where they dominated 25-17, 25-17, 25-21.

But Chery Tiggo remains unfazed as it rides a two-game winning streak in the play-in tournament with the trio of Ara Galang, Shaya Adorador and Ces Robles forming its offensive core.

"Creamline is not an easy opponent, especially since they are full of veteran players. Many of them are really experienced players. But we will work hard and start with ourselves,” said Adorador in Filipino.

Not to be outdone is the Petro Gazz-ZUS Coffee tussle, with the Thunderbelles banking on their morale-boosting five-set victory over fancied Cignal in the play-in tournament.

Though lacking in experience compared to their battle-tested rivals, expect ZUS Coffee to go all-out with its unfazed, no-nonsense attitude.

Along with the solid leadership of veteran Jovelyn Gonzaga, the Thunderbelles expect to rely on the young guns composed of Glaudine Troncoso, Chinnie Arroyo, Thea Gagate and Michelle Gamit after delivering solid numbers in their last two matches.

Petro Gazz, oozing with experience and confidence, would not be intimidated quickly as it parades an explosive frontline headed by Brooke Van Sickle, MJ Phillips, Myla Pablo and Aiza Pontillas.

"I would like to say that we can't get too ahead of ourselves. The championship is the goal. But we have to focus on what's ahead of us. We have to take that game seriously. Fight as much as we can. Take it game by game. It's easier said than done to win a championship," said Van Sickle.

Game 2 of their respective series is set Saturday, March 22, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City, while Game 3, if necessary, is either on March 25 or 27.