KO semis pit PLDT vs Akari, Cignal vs Creamline

MANILA, Philippines — Four teams, one eyeing to extend its dynastic reign and the other three hoping to establish one, face off in today’s knockout semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Creamline shoots for a 15th straight podium finish, a 12th finals appearance and a ninth title – all league records – as it squares off with Cignal in the main game at 6 p.m.

Meanwhile, PLDT goes for its best finish in the league following two fourth-place efforts since returning three years ago as it tangles with Akari, which eyes the same after crashing out in its first six conferences in the league. They duke it out at 4 p.m.

PLDT won a championship back in the Shakey’s V-League days.

While the Cool Smashers have been there and done that, the HD Spikers have been to just one finals and four third-place efforts.

Cignal’s one and only crack at a PVL championship came two years ago in this same conference where it was foiled by Petro Gazz.

The HD Spikers made it this far by escaping past the Capital1 Solar Spikers in a gripping five-setter last Saturday.