In a crucial Premier Volleyball League double-header unfolding at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Choco Mucho and Creamline seek to forge an All-Filipino title rematch, aiming for key victories over Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, respectively, at the close of the single round semifinals.
In rare Sunday encounters, the stakes couldn't be higher as the Flying Titans go all-out for a sweep against the Angels at 6 p.m. while the Cool Smashers hope to ride on their recent resurgence and pounce on the Crossovers' startling slump after an impressive seven-game streak.
With a commanding 2-0 record, Choco Mucho coach Dante Alinsunurin is elated about the team's potential to reach the AFC finals for the second straight time.
"We're excited to make it to the finals because that's what we've been aiming for since we took on the coaching role here at Choco Mucho. The players are equally driven and they're in a situation where they really want to win the championship," said Alinsunurin.
"But we haven't quite gotten here yet. Perhaps, it's a matter of being excited but we really need to address any issues we've encountered. We need to maximize every opportunity to ensure we secure our third win," he added.
After staging a remarkable comeback from two sets down against the Cool Smashers, followed by a dominant display against the skidding Crossovers, the Flying Titans find themselves on the cusp of a return to the finals in the league organized by Sports Vision, fueled by both skill and a touch of luck.
Both Choco Mucho and Creamline are determined to secure victories to avoid complications. The Cool Smashers, buoyed by Jema Galanza's stellar showing and the return of Tots Carlos, try to sustain their charge following a disappointing setback against their sister team.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses welcomed the three-day break, allowing the team to prioritize rest, especially for Carlos, who bravely took the court against the Angels despite a lack of sleep following her participation in the Korean draft tryout.
"Napaganda siguro kasi we have three days to prepare. Kasi, naiba yung schedule. So, focus muna kami sa pahinga, especially Tots (Carlos), baka kulang pa sa tulog," said Meneses. "So, ang number one preparation naming for Chery Tiggo ay makapahinga, at makabawi sa pagod. We'll make sure to prepare thoroughly for Chery Tiggo."
However, the playoff picture could get complex depending on today's outcomes. A Petro Gazz win coupled with a Creamline victory would lead to a triple-tie at No. 1 among the Flying Titans, the Cool Smashers and the Angels, all with 2-1 records.
In such a scenario, the team with the highest points tally will advance to the finals, while the next two will dispute the other championship berth in sudden death on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
Conversely, a win by Chery Tiggo, combined with a Choco Mucho victory, would create a three-way tie for No. 2 at 1-2 among the Crossovers, the Cool Smashers and the Angels. In this case, the team with the lowest points tally will be eliminated, leaving the other two to battle for the right to face the Flying Titans in the best-of-three title showdown, all slated at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
As anticipation builds for these high-stakes encounters, all eyes will be on the Crossovers, determined to bounce back after their recent setbacks, and the Angels, eager to re-affirm their dominance following a closely-contested loss to the defending champion Cool Smashers.
But with all teams eager to display their resilience and skill, fans can expect nothing short of thrilling matches as the semifinal round draws to a close.
