Creamline gets ball rolling

MANILA, Philippines — Powerhouse Creamline launches its bid for a second straight PVL crown when it clashes with old, familiar rival Petro Gazz today in the Invitational Conference at the Filoil Flying V Arena.

The 5:30 p.m. duel will be a rematch for the Cool Smashers and the Angels after the former swept the latter in the Open Conference finals last April to cap a perfect 8-0 title conquest.

Creamline will come in as the heavy favorite after its already formidable roster was boosted by the return of Michele Gumabao and the acquisition of rookie middle blocker Lorie Bernardo from University of the Philippines.

Gumabao and Bernardo joined Open Conference MVP and finals MVP Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, respectively, and a veteran cast that includes setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, Jema Galanza, Jeanette Panaga, Risa Sato and Ced Domingo.

Petro Gazz retained its reliable cast headed by the power-hitting combo of Grethcel Soltones, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, Myla Pablo, MJ Philips and Jonah Sabete with grizzled vet Chie Saet as their setter and Bang Pineda as libero.

While Petro Gazz head coach Jerry Yee will sit on the bench, Arnold Laniog will call the shots this conference as the former will focus on his college team, St. Benilde, in the NCAA.

“Arnold will call the shots but I’ll be on the bench,” Yee told The STAR.