F2, PLDT try to repeat elimination round wins as chase for PVL title berths starts

[ad_1]

F2 Logistics Trainer Regine Diego. Photo PVL

Regine Diego of Logistik F2 may be the new coach of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). But he’s been around the sport long enough to know what the Cargo Movers — the lowest-ranked team in the All-Filipino Conference Final Four — have to deal with.

“Game 1 is definitely a ball game for anyone,” Diego said after preparing the No. 4 Cargo Movers for their matchup with defending champions Creamline in the first semi-final at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig on Saturday as they played a short series that set up the opener. very important game.

“As a team, we will do our best [win] and then we’ll take it from there,” said Diego as F2 mixed with top-ranked Creamline in the 4 pm contest, looking to duplicate their thrilling five-set victory in the preliminary round.

And it is ironic that the top two teams after the eliminations, Petro Gazz as the 2nd, lost only the duel of the classification round with the lower ranked team paired in the playoffs, with the Angels losing to PLDT, also in five sets, last February 23.

Single defect

Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Cup. – PVL PHOTOS

Creamline’s only loss in the eliminations was handled by Diego and Cargo Movers, a 23-25, 25-18, 16-25, 25-23, 16-14 decision last February 18 where F2 fired on all cylinders and beat the loaded. Cool Smashers in offensive game.

Meanwhile, taking their second straight championship, Petro Gazz, against PLDT in a contest at 18:30 with coach Oliver Almadro spending the last few days to ensure that his Angels are not complacent after achieving “realistic targets.”

“Hard work is just for this team,” Almadro told the Inquirer in an earlier interview. “The players know what is at stake and they are united to achieve the next goal, which is to make the Final.

“We will work hard and hope that God will bless us,” he said.

Petro Gazz finished second with a superior set ratio over PLDT, who are coming into the game with just a few days off after crushing crowd favorite Choco Mucho in four sets, a victory that kept the High Speed Hitters out. of Creamline’s way in the semifinals.

Short turnaround

That means Mendrez and PLDT High Speed Hitters. – PVL PHOTOS

And what gives the High Speed Hitters an advantage remains to be seen as they try to stop a squad that has learned to play well in their short time at Almadro.

“We all know that Petro Gazz will come back to us,” PLDT coach Rald Ricafort said in Filipino after training on Friday. “We are very prepared for him despite the very tight schedule.

“We’re the only team that needs to play before the semis,” he said. “We only have one day to prepare, so we’ll see what happens.”

“We just have to adapt,” said PLDT’s Mika Reyes. “WE maximize the day we have to prepare.”

Your subscription cannot be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.