MANILA, Philippines – Two of the winningest teams in Premier Volleyball League history are headed for a showdown in the 2025 All-Filipino Conference finals as the Creamline Cool Smashers stage a five-peat conference title bid against longtime rivals Petro Gazz Angels starting Tuesday, April 8, at the Araneta Coliseum.
The gap between the two franchises sharing the “winningest” tag, however, cannot be overlooked, as the Creamline dynasty is already on the hunt for its 11th PVL title, while far, far down at second place on the all-time title leaderboard is Petro Gazz, currently on the hunt for gold medal No. 3.
Still, the Angels are undisputedly the best challengers the mighty Cool Smashers can get, as likely back-to-back MVP winner Brooke Van Sickle, finally heading to her first PVL finals, is still bringing the pain on the taraflex night in and night out.
The true difference-makers, however, lie in Van Sickle’s support group, as Fil-Am star blocker MJ Phillips and two-time PVL MVP Myla Pablo are back in full health, once again showing their full capabilities on offense and most notably on net defense.
This power shift was on full display in the round-robin semifinal round, with Petro Gazz downing Creamline in four sets to deliver a clear statement to the defending champions.
Conversely, health has been the Cool Smashers’ nagging problem all conference long, as they have rotated injury tags among their “Holy Trinity” MVP trio of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Jema Galanza.
Currently, it’s Galanza’s turn on the shelf with a minor hand injury, but Bernadeth Pons — yet another Creamline MVP — is picking up the slack in her teammate’s absence.
Both teams have a lot at stake come Game 1, with Petro Gazz aiming to prove its semis win was no fluke, while Creamline guns for a quick leg up over its healthier opponent. Which side of the rivalry will strike first in the best-of-three affair?
First serve is at around 6:30 pm, right after the Akari vs Choco Mucho bronze medal series. – Rappler.com