Stakes are high in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals as Petro Gazz and Akari gun for championship berths on Tuesday, April 1, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Riding the crest of their respective victories over the weekend, the Chargers seek to sustain their momentum in their 4 p.m. confrontation with the six-time All-Filipino champion Creamline Cool Smashers, even as the Angels eye their fourth finals appearance in their 6:30 p.m. tussle with last year’s bridesmaids Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Touted as underdogs in their previous matchups, Petro Gazz and Akari overcame their powerhouse rivals to give them the crucial edge in this round-robin phase. The Angels edged the Cool Smashers, 25-23, 25-22, 21-25, 25-16, while the Chargers survived the Flying Titans, 20-25, 25-19, 25-23, 22-25, 16-14.

Though armed with morale-boosting wins, Petro Gazz and Akari expect their opponents to rise to the challenge. After all, both Creamline and Choco Mucho have enough experience to regain their composure after stinging losses.

The Angels are also holding on to their four-set win over the Flying Titans in the conference opener last November, where Brooke Van Sickle unleashed a monster game of 34 points built on 28 kills, four aces and two blocks.

A lot may have changed since their first meeting but expect the Angels to continue to rely on Van Sickle in fueling their campaign, along with Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete and Chie Saet.

Choco Mucho, which appeared in the All-Filipino finals over the last two years, is eager to get back on track with Sisi Rondina, Royse Tubino and Isa Molde leading their charge.

In the other pairing, Creamline may have found itself in unfamiliar territory but expect them to unleash its championship experience to keep its title bid alive.

“I think everyone was taking it in,” said Cool Smashers veteran skipper Alyssa Valdez moments after their loss to the Angels.

“We’re trying to leave everything that happened here and move forward. Sila coach (Sherwin Meneses) na rin yung nagsabi na iwan na natin dito, and focus na lang sa training (tomorrow),” she added.

Aside from Valdez, Creamline still has Bernadeth Pons, Tots Carlos, Bea De Leon and Jema Galanza at the frontline to challenge Akari’s arsenal composed of CJ Soyud, Faith Nisperos and Ced Domingo.

If either of the underdog squads falters, their Thursday showdown will become a do-or-die battle for one of the finals berths. A playoff for the championship spot could also come into play.