It’s an early clash of titans as the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour returns to Manila after electrifying out-of-town stops in Vigan, Ilocos Sur and Batangas City with powerhouse squads Creamline and Cignal all set to collide in a marquee Pool B duel on Tuesday, July 1 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.
The 6:30 p.m. showdown promises to be an explosive clash between two talent-laden squads brimming with intensity, depth and standout rookies ready to make their mark in the pre-season tournament organized by Sports Vision.
Both teams are riding the momentum of impressive back-to-back wins from the season-opening sorties in Vigan. Creamline flexed its championship-caliber depth by shutting down Capital1 in straight sets and dispatching Akari in four, while Cignal made a louder statement with dominant sweeps of the same two squads, asserting its intent to contend for the crown right from the get-go.
With an early solo lead in Pool B on the line, fans can expect fireworks from the opening serve. The Cool Smashers and the HD Spikers – two of the most consistent programs in recent PVL history – are built for high-stakes battles and rarely fail to deliver drama.
Their latest showdown, however, carries added weight with the league’s new format emphasizing the importance of prelim rankings and every match critical in the race to the knockout quarterfinals.
Beyond the star-studded veterans and proven systems, this duel will also showcase a fresh layer of excitement – the emergence of talented rookies eager to showcase their talent and skills in the pros. Creamline’s Sheena Toring has wasted no time in proving her worth, following up a five-point debut with a 10-point outburst against Akari. Her seamless integration into the veteran-laden squad hints at a high ceiling, particularly as she gains more confidence and touches in the middle.
On the other side, Cignal is likewise reaping early dividends from its young guns. Erin Pangilinan and Jessa Ordiales have brought youthful energy and grit to the HD Spikers’ system, while the return of former La Salle standout Tin Tiamzon further bolsters their already versatile attack.
Their collective effort will be put to the test by the Cool Smashers’ trademark composure and floor coverage.
The intensity and tactical fireworks expected in this Creamline-Cignal matchup are emblematic of the kind of parity and unpredictability the league is seeing this season – largely due to the absence of some key stars still fulfilling national team duties with Alas Pilipinas, and the influx of blue-chip rookies who’ve immediately asserted themselves.
Lyann De Guzman’s 21-point breakout for Nxled in a stunning five-set takedown of defending All-Filipino champion Petro Gazz has already made headlines, while Jean Asis (Galeries Tower), Ayesha Juegos (Choco Mucho), and Athena Abbu (Capital1) are fast becoming names to watch.
De Guzman quickly followed up her stellar debut with a more explosive 24-point performance in leading the Chameleons to a four-set win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Sunday and into the solo Pool A lead.
Earlier in the day, Pool A contenders PLDT and Farm Fresh open their campaigns at 4 p.m. in another intriguing matchup. The spotlight will be on PLDT’s promising newcomers – La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan and Enderun’s quick-hitting middle Zenneth Perolino – who are tipped to add speed and spark to the High Speed Hitters’ system.
Meanwhile, Farm Fresh will parade a retooled roster led by former FEU ace Ann Monares and top newcomer-setter Alohi Robins-Hardy, whose playmaking will be pivotal in dictating tempo.
With only the top two teams from each pool earning outright spots in the quarters, and third-to-sixth placers battling in do-or-die crossover matches, every win counts. The quarterfinals, also a knockout stage, will determine the four semifinalists who, aside from vying for the title, will also punch tickets to the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference featuring two guest squads.
With stakes rising and new stars emerging, today’s twinbill could very well be a preview of deeper playoff showdowns – and it starts with what promises to be a scorcher between Creamline and Cignal.
