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After a frantic, 8-day blitz, the exhausted Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers figure in another high-stakes match, this time for the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference championship
MANILA, Philippines – After a frantic, tiring eight-day blitz, the PVL is once again hosting a knockout final as the exhausted, yet ever-brilliant Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers fight for the 2024 Invitational Conference gold medal at the Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, September 12.
Coming off a record-extending fifth bronze medal, the HD Spikers still have major unfinished business to settle after the shorthanded Cool Smashers somehow found an extra gear and booted them out of a breakthrough title chance through a stunning five-set reverse sweep in the Reinforced knockout semifinal.
Through a unique chain of planned league calendar shifts and unforeseen weather-related disruptions, Cignal’s chance at redemption arrives at blindingly quick fashion, albeit at a heightened physical and mental toll.
Creamline, in turn, has an express-lane shot to complete an unprecedented Grand Slam in just a week’s time and reach double-digit championships to boot, while the next best franchise only has two.
Both teams also have much-needed reinforcements at their disposal as the Cool Smashers finally have reigning All-Filipino Finals MVP Jema Galanza back in the fray, while the HD Spikers have stars Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig — all three being finally cleared from Alas Pilipinas national team duties.
Meanwhile, Reinforced Conference double MVP Bernadeth Pons, import Erica Staunton, and veteran spiker Michele Gumabao are somehow still chugging along to lead Creamline, while Cignal is still counting on former MVP Ces Molina, four-time Best Setter Gel Cayuna, and Best Import MJ Perez.
Only one team — battered and tired as it may be — can prove it is the best and most resilient of them all.
First serve is around 6 pm, immediately after the battle for bronze between guest teams Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan and Est Cola of Thailand. – Rappler.com
