Who takes on Creamline? Scenarios for last PVL Invitational finals spot

With two game days remaining in the PVL Invitational Conference semifinals, the finals picture is taking shape.

The Creamline Cool Smashers, having dispatched Vietnam's Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh on Tuesday, returns to the finals with four wins and 10 points. The defending champions have one more match against Japan's Kurashiki Ablaze, which is looking like a legitimate contender, on Friday. But the girls in pink are already assured of a top two berth.

This leaves two contenders for the final spot—Kurashiki and the PLDT High Speed Hitters.

There's going to be a narrow window of opportunity for coach Rald Ricafort's squad though. And they would need need to dominate their upcoming match on Thursday against the Japanese guest team, as well as a prayer on Friday.

Here are the rankings so far.

Upcoming games:

July 27, Thursday

4:00 p.m. - PLDT High Speed Hitters vs Kurashiki Ablaze

6:30 p.m. - Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh vs Cignal HD Spikers

July 28, Friday

4:00 p.m. - F2 Logistics Cargo Movers vs Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh

6:30 p.m. - Creamline Cool Smashers vs Kurashiki Ablaze

If PLDT wants to crash the party, they would have to at least secure a victory against Kurashiki Ablaze in three to four sets. This would ensure that the High Speed Hitters get the full three points.

A five-set victory would only give PLDT two points and eight total, which would leave them out of the top two.

But a three to four-set victory is not the only thing PLDT would need for a finals appearance. They would also need a prayer.

And that is for the undefeated Creamline to take down the Japanese squad in three to four sets as well.

A five-set victory for Creamline, or a win by Kurashiki in any way would close the door for a top two entrance for PLDT.

All other scenarios will have the Japanese squad compete for the title against the defending champions.

Meanwhile, Cignal and F2 Logistics will be playing this week for a shot at the bronze medal.

(GM)