Creamline Cool Smashers gun for second seat in crossover phase of PVL All-Filipino Conference

Games on Thursday
(FilOil Arena)
4 p.m. – Akari vs Creamline
6:30 p.m. – Nxled vs ZUS Coffee

CREAMLINE seeks an outright qualifying round berth while Akari aims to avert it and bolster its own bid as they collide on Thursday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Arena.

A win by the Creamline Cool Smashers, currently with a 5-1 record, over the Akari Chargers (3-3) in their 4 p.m. showdown would automatically seal the former the second seat in the crossover phase that is staking two outright semifinal tickets.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters, who own a 6-1 mark, secured the first slot that was signed, sealed and delivered by the Choco Mucho Flying Titan’s five-set defeat to the Farm Fresh Foxies on Tuesday.

The Rebisco franchise is also eyeing to extend its streak to six — the longest active streak this conference thus far.

While Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses gushed at that possibility, he was quick to caution his team that it will not be easy.

“It gets tougher every game so we really have to work harder for us to have a chance of achieving that goal,” he said.

Akari, although far back in the standings after splitting their first six outings, has the best chance among those outside the current magic four to sneak into the crossover phase.

That is, of course, if it could sweep its last three assignments including this one against the 10-time league champion.

“Again, we need total team effort,” said Akari mentor Tina Salak, whose last two foes are Galeries Tower on Tuesday and Farm Fresh on March 21.

Also in the mix for a place in the top four is Nxled (3-4), which tangles with ZUS Coffee (1-6) at 6:30 p.m. — Joey Villar