(The Arena, San Juan City)
1 p.m. – Cignal vs Sta. Elena (Men’s)
4 p.m. – Creamline vs Pocari (Women’s)
6:30 p.m. – Air Force vs Perlas (Women’s)
Defending champion Pocari Sweat and Creamline try to strengthen their respective semifinal bid today when they face off today in the Premier Volleyball League women’s volleyball tournament at The Arena in San Juan.
A win in the 4 p.m. match of the round-robin quarterfinal round would put either team closer in joining BaliPure and Power Smashers in the last four of the league’s reinforced conference.
Both squads won their matches last Saturday to jumpstart their quarterfinal campaigns on high notes, with Pocari beating Air Force, 21-25, 25-23, 19-25, 25-14, 15-10, and Creamline defeating the Perlas Spikers, 25-16, 9-25, 17-25, 25-13, 15-13.
While Pocari has guest player Michelle Strizak at its arsenal following the American’s 24-point output the last time, the Lady Warriors are still hoping that their new import Krystal Rivers will be cleared to play in this crucial match.
At presstime, Rivers’ application for an International Transfer Certificate (ITC) has not been processed as Pocari couldn’t access their team’s FIVB account.
“As far as I know as of today, her application has not yet been initiated. I can’t initiate it because my team has no access to our own login and password (account),” said Pocari team manager Eric Ty.
“LVPI as per last week also cannot access the system. Although FIVB and USA Volleyball have confirmed via email that ITCs can be registered until July 31 within Asia,” Ty explained.
LVPI President Joey Romasanta, however, said they have already contacted the FIVB regarding the sudden application of the ITC, but international federation has not yet responded.
“It’s not fair and correct to say that we have not done anything,” said Romasanta.
Rivers could have been an added reinforcement for the squad, but despite the recent dilemma, the Lady Warriors are optimistic that they can sustain their momentum against an equally strong Creamline crew.
Comprising Pocari’s core aside from Strizak are Myla Pablo, who exploded with 28 points the last time, Jeanette Panaga, setter Gyzelle Sy, and libero Melissa Gohing.
Creamline is undaunted.
Alyssa Valdez remains in front of the Cool Smashers’ attack along with imports Kuttika Kaewpin and Laura Schaudt, with Coleen Bravo and Alexis Cabaños providing enough support.