SAME team color and same goal, Akari and Creamline will prove which shade of pink will splash its way to glory in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 2024 Reinforced Conference finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Monday.
Still unbeaten in this conference, Akari continues to make history with its franchise since 2022 after clinching its first-ever finals berth in the PVL, while the eight-time overall PVL champ Creamline guns to add another title in its record.
The Chargers secured a finals slot after fending off PLDT in a tough five-set semis match, 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15, last Saturday.
American import Oly Okaro exploded for 39 points on 35 attacks and four blocks to lift Akari past the High Speed Hitters.
Okaro was backed up by Ivy Lacsina and Grethcel Soltones, who scored 16 and 19 points, respectively.
"We are happy, and coach Taka (Minowa) told us that there are a lot of things we have to work on. Actually, we really didn't expect that we would reach this, our target was sixth or fifth place... But here we are," one of Akari's mainstays, Soltones, told the press.
Dani Ravena took care of Akari's floor defense, tallying 11 digs and 17 receptions, while playmaker Kamille Cal made 16 excellent sets.
Surrounded by controversies after PLDT's unsuccessful challenge in the crucial match of the fifth frame, Akari Japanese head coach Minowa shared his point of view on what happened, and looks forward to gear his team up for the final match.
"PLDT is a strong team. I respect them, and I want to talk to the players and tell them that they did well. This is the finals and we just got it, that's it," Minowa answered simply when asked about the controversial call.
Going up against the Cool Smashers, Akari braces for a tough showdown in the finals slated at 6 p.m.
Creamline stunned Cignal in a five-set match after prevailing through a reverse sweep.
With 11, 438 spectators trooped to the venue where most of them are rooting for the pink squad, Creamline mustered all its grit to once again step into the Reinforced Conference finals.
Team captain Michele Gumabao shared how Creamline displayed the heart of a champion in a crucial game.
"Super happy on how we won, coming to the championship, the heart of the champion should be there too. I am so happy that we were able to experience, this makes us really a one team, and we have this confidence entering the finals," Gumabao, who scored 10 points, told the press.
American import Erica Staunton flaunted her form with 38 points on 36 attacks, a block and an ace.
Bernadette Pons continued to step up for the Cool Smashers after an impressive triple-double performance of 28 points, 17 digs and 24 receptions.
Playmaker Kyle Negrito tallied 25 excellent sets and scored two aces and an attack.
With 15 podium finishes and 11 finals appearances, Creamline, gunning for ninth championship, is heavily-favored against the finals first-timers Chargers.
On the same day, Cignal and PLDT will battle for bronze at 4 p.m.
Cignal's import MJ Perez, who fired 32 points in a loss over Creamline, will take on PLDT's import Lena Samoilenko, who churned out 30 points over Akari.
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