Underdogs Aim to Clinch PVL Finals Spots

Games Today (Tuesday)
Philsports Arena, Pasig City
4 p.m. – Creamline vs. Akari
6:30 p.m. – Petro Gazz vs. Choco Mucho

The Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals have reached a fever pitch, with Petro Gazz and Akari one win away from a breakthrough Finals appearance.

A victory today would send the Angels and Chargers into a historic championship showdown—one that would exclude Creamline, the league’s dominant force, for the first time in seven conferences.

Standing in their way are the battle-tested Cool Smashers and the resilient Choco Mucho Flying Titans, both determined to extend their respective campaigns.

Petro Gazz stunned Creamline on Saturday with a four-set win at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, silencing a largely pro-Creamline crowd.

Akari outlasted Choco Mucho in a grueling five-setter, showing poise under pressure to move within striking distance of a finals berth.

These victories placed both underdog squads on the verge of rewriting the league’s narrative, which has long been dominated by perennial contenders.

Still, it would be unwise to count out Creamline and Choco Mucho just yet.

The Cool Smashers have built a dynasty on resilience and championship experience, while the Flying Titans have made a habit of bouncing back from adversity.

With elimination looming, both squads are expected to go all out in their bid to stay alive, with Creamline facing Akari at 4 p.m. and Petro Gazz battling Choco Mucho at 6:30 p.m.

Adjustments will be key, with defensive schemes, setting accuracy and execution in clutch moments likely determining the outcome of today’s matches.

For Petro Gazz and Akari, the mission is clear: execute with precision and sustain the momentum that got them here.

The Angels will lean on their offensive core led by Brooke Van Sickle, with support from Myla Pablo, Jonah Sabete and MJ Phillips providing attacks from both wings and the middle.

“I told my players before the fourth set (against Creamline) that we are the challengers,” said Petro Gazz head coach Koji Tsuzurabara.

“Next game also, we will be the challengers. I know what level Choco Mucho plays. I know. We also lost to them,” he added.

Akari, meanwhile, will look to maintain the fearless approach that has defined its run.

Eli Soyud, coming off a career-high 34-point performance, will once again spearhead the offense.

Faith Nisperos, Ivy Lacsina, Ced Domingo, Grethcel Soltones and Camille Victoria are expected to step up.

“We just have two days. We just need to focus on the condition,” said Chargers head coach Taka Minowa following their win over Choco Mucho.

“We need to control the injuries, and Eli also, she’s hitting like 58 attempts, so she needs to rest.”

“We will focus on the next game, but maybe just the mind. We just need to keep that calm mindset against strong teams,” he added.

On the other side, Creamline will turn to its seasoned core led by Tots Carlos, Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez as it looks to preserve its reign.

Choco Mucho will again rely on the explosive Sisi Rondina, backed by Royse Tubino, Isa Molde and Lorraine Pecana, as it aims to force a sudden-death clash despite injury setbacks.

If either underdog stumbles, a do-or-die match on Thursday could determine the final championship berth.

The possibility of a playoff for the last spot adds even more intrigue to a thrilling semifinal round in this record-setting, six-month-long conference organized by Sports Vision.

With a Finals spot at stake, fans can expect high-octane action as the league’s rising challengers and defending elites collide for volleyball glory.