CREAMLINE and Cignal hope to exploit their advantage in manpower in pursuit of a third straight victory and a share of the lead with idle Choco Mucho, facing Galeries Tower and Nxled, respectively, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Thursday.
Ranged against a pair of winless rivals, the Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers set out in their respective 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. matches the prohibitive favorites although the unpredictable nature of each team leaves room for potential reversals.
Despite dropping their first two matches, the Highrisers and the Chameleons are determined to turn things around. Galeries faces the formidable Creamline side, requiring a significant boost to halt the defending champions' early surge in the season-opening conference of the league organized by Sports Vision.
Meanwhile, the Chameleons, coming off a weeklong rest, aim to present a tough challenge for the HD Spikers.
Between Galeries and Nxled, however, the Chameleons are seen as having a favorable chance to surprise the HD Spikers. Coach Taka Minowa and his team are expected to have made the necessary adjustments against their rivals, who previously drubbed the Akari Chargers in four and swept the Highrisers.
Ivy Lacsina, a key player for Nxled, seeks improvement following her 12-point performance against the PLDT High Speed Hitters. She will be supported by players such as Camille Victoria, Krich Macaslang, Lycha Ebon and Kamille Cal.
Cignal coach Shaq de los Santos, on the other hand, expresses confidence in his team's ability to extend their win run behind Ces Molina, Vanie Gandler, Roselyn Doria, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Riri Meneses and Chin Basas, alongside top playmaker Gel Cayuna and defense specialist Dawn Catindig.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, meanwhile, anticipates another strong performance from his team, anchored on Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao, and middle Bea de Leon and setter Kyle Negrito.
Carlos, inspired by her recent career-high 31-point game against the Chargers last week, is poised for another impactful contribution against the Highrisers, who are yet to post a set win in two games.
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