Two different seas of pink will part down the middle of the Araneta Coliseum on Monday, September 2, as the undefeated Akari Chargers stand on the brink of a historic PVL title against the battle-tested, yet shorthanded Creamline Cool Smashers to cap off the 2024 Reinforced Conference.
Coming off a very controversial knockout semifinal ouster of PLDT, Akari will continue to prove it got to this point without outside forces assisting its campaign, with the likes of import Oly Okaro, resurgent spiker Grethcel Soltones, and possible MVP candidate Ivy Lacsina leading the charge.
Already missing Alas Pilipinas players Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma, the Chargers also risk the possibility of losing star middle blocker and former Creamline champion Ced Domingo, who apparently hurt her right knee late in the fifth set of their heated PLDT encounter.
The Cool Smashers, meanwhile, will continue to bank on the heroic leadership of import Erica Staunton, surprise MVP candidate Bernadeth Pons, and veterans Kyle Negrito and Michele Gumabao.
Having already gotten used to the heavy absences of injured MVPs Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos, and the mandated sit-out of Alas ace Jema Galanza, Creamline is leaning on sheer teamwork and defensive intensity on the way to arguably its most unlikely title win ever.
Both teams proudly carry the pink and white colors, but only one can add gold to its palette at the end of the night. Which side will make the most of its sole chance to win it all?
Tip off is around 6 pm, immediately after the bronze-medal match between sister teams Cignal and PLDT.
Meanwhile, the awarding ceremony will happen after the knockout final is settled.
