Creamline eyes another crown, while Akari, Cignal, and PLDT aim to establish a new reign.
(Updated as of Thursday, August 29 after the PVL moved the current semis slate today due to power shortage on Saturday, August 31 at the Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay City)
[READ MORE: PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals moved to August 31]
There will be a new champion in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
After the two-time defending champions Petro Gazz Angels were eliminated, only four teams are left standing to vie for a place in the title series set on September 2, Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The top four teams--Akari Chargers, Cignal HD Spikers, Creamline Cool Smashers, and PLDT High Speed Hitters--will feature in a pair of knockout semifinal games that promises high-level playoff action.
Hang tight, PVL fans, because this is about to be a good one.
August 31, Saturday | Mall of Asia Arena, Pasay
Akari Chargers vs. PLDT High Speed Hitters | 2:30 p.m.
In conferences past, the Akari Chargers are nowhere near any PVL playoff conversations.
One major roster overhaul, eight-straight group phase wins, and a first-ever postseason victory later, the Chargers are just two dubs away from the franchise’s maiden title and completing an immaculate title run.
Akari is proving its worth as the league’s top team entering the playoffs, dispatching the eighth seed Farm Fresh Foxies in four sets to advance into the semifinals.
[ALSO READ: PVL playoffs: Undefeated Akari bucks slow start to take down Farm Fresh, advances to first-ever semis in Reinforced Conference]
As expected, import Oly Okaro paced the Chargers in their first taste of postseason play, scoring 17 points. Ivy Lacsina and Cams Victoria combined for 21 markers.
But Akari’s biggest test this season will come against a team parading another high-scoring import while also carrying a chip on their shoulders.
The number four PLDT High Speed Hitters needed five grueling sets to eliminate the fifth-ranked Chery Tiggo Crossovers to book their place in the semifinals.
[ALSO READ: PVL playoffs: Elena Samoilenko, PLDT escape Chery Tiggo to advance to Reinforced Conference semis]
Lena Samoilenko unleashed 37 points in the clutch win with setter Kim Fajardo turning back the clock with a vintage outing led by her 23 excellent sets.
PLDT has never stepped foot in a championship game since joining the league three years ago. The same can be said to Akari, who crashed out in their first five conferences since entering the PVL in 2022.
Between the two teams, who will have a breakthrough Finals appearance?
Cignal HD Spikers vs. Creamline Cool Smashers | 4:30 p.m.
Two is already a crowd, so only one redemption arc will continue between the Cignal HD Spikers and Creamline Cool Smashers.
The second-ranked HD Spikers survived Marina Tushova’s record-breaking 50-point explosion and the gritty Capital1 Solar Spikers in five sets to barge into the semifinal round.
[ALSO READ: PVL playoffs: Cignal survives Marina Tushova's record 50 points in thrilling five-set duel]
Cignal almost squandered a two-set advantage, but recovered late behind import MJ Perez’s 34-point outing and Riri Meneses’ conference-best performance of 21 markers and career-high seven blocks.
Team captain Ces Molina, Gel Cayuna, and Jackie Acuña are expected to boost Cignal’s chances against the most successful franchise in PVL history.
On the other hand, Creamline ousted two-time defending champion and rivals Petro Gazz Angels in their win-or-go-home quarterfinal via sweep.
[ALSO READ: PVL playoffs: Creamline dethrones Petro Gazz as Reinforced Conference champion with stunning sweep]
Even without star players Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza, and Alyssa Valdez, the Cool Smashers are aiming to book a 12th Finals appearance with the HD Spikers standing in their way.
Import Erica Staunton and Bernadeth Pons emerged as Creamline’s new dynamic duo as the tandem carried most of the scoring brunt all-tournament long.
The HD Spikers finished as runners-up in the 2022 edition of the tournament with the Cool Smashers taking bronze at the same time.
With Petro Gazz now out in the title picture, which team will move a win away from the championship?
The games will air on Saturday on One Sports, One Sports+, and the Pilipinas Live app.