The winner takes it all

MANILA, Philippines — It all boils down to this game.

A Game 3 that will decide whether Creamline gets to extend its dynastic reign or Petro Gazz manages to rewrite what had been a prevalent script for the past years as the two face off one last time today in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The Angels took the early upper hand following a 25-17, 25-20, 18-25, 20-25, 15-10 win in Game 1 last Tuesday. But the Cool Smashers showed why they have been the league’s yardstick for so long and fought back in a 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9 Game 2 win last Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to knot the count at one apiece.

It arranged a no-tomorrow contest at 6:30 p.m., one that should produce another epic match similar, if not better, than the first two.

A Creamline victory, of course, would seal the franchise a five-peat feat and an 11th championship overall to further underscore its domination of the league.

A Petro Gazz triumph, in contrast, would seal its breakthrough All-Filipino crown and third in all after seizing a couple of Reinforced Conference titles.

And Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses believed it will all be decided by which team will play with the most valiant of hearts.

“We have no time for adjustments since there is only a one-day gap per each finals game,” said Meneses. “That’s why I think it will all depend on who will play with a stronger will.”

The series is shaping up like the last time these two clubs met two years ago when Petro Gazz took Game 1 before Creamline came charging back to snare the next two and the crown.

Creamline star spiker Jema Galanza said her team would do their best to make the most out of this golden opportunity.

“We just told ourselves that since we’ve made it this far, we wouldn’t allow ourselves to finish the season without winning the championship,” she said.