Cool Smashers seek series sweep

pMANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers set out for Game Two of their best-of-three PVL All-Filipino Conference title series against Cignal locked in one one thing – close out the fight and reclaim their old, familiar place at the PVL pedestal.

“We’re just eager to win because it’s a different feeling to win now than before,” said Galanza, who spearheaded Creamline’s 25-22, 25-18, 25-16 dismantling of Cignal in last Tuesday’s opener that put them on the cusp of claiming a legacy-enhancing 11th championship.

Game Two is set at 5:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. A decider, if necessary, is slated Tuesday at the same venue.

At 3 p.m., PLDT tries to clinch third place against Farm Fresh.

There was that determined look in the eyes of Galanza and the rest of the ice cream-producing club that evidently showed they are determined to regain the throne.

And it was borne out of Creamline’s desperation to toughen up after the rest of the league landscape had improved by leaps and bounds.

There was a point in the last 20 months – a long stretch when the team went title-less – that they began to doubt themselves.

“In my long years with Creamline, I consider this season as the most difficult of all because other teams have leveled up. That’s why we cherish every win because we really worked hard for it,” said Galanza.

Game One was more than a statement but a warning to Cignal that the once feared old queens of the league are back.

How will the HD Spikers respond?