Battle of neighbors yet bitter rivals

CEBU, Philippines — The defending champion Consolacion Sarok Weavers and Sherilin-Unisol Mandaue City Plastic Men begin their best-of-three 2022 Pilipinas Super League (PSL) 21 Under Visayas finals today at the Cordova Sports Complex in Cordova, Cebu.

Game time is set at 3 pm, right after the Davao Occidental Dreamers and the Bukidnon Cowboys commence their own race-to-2 series for the Mindanao title at 1 pm.

 Appearing calm before the storm, Sarok Weavers team manager Marc Malazarte billed their hotly-anticipated showdown with Mandaue as “Battle of Neighbors” although it is going to be grudge rematch of the league’s bitter rivals in the Visayas division.

“It’s a battle of neighbors. You have to pass through Mandaue before you will reach Consolacion,” said Malazarte in slight jest.

But on a more serious note, Malazarte said they’re truly bracing for one big war against the Plastic Men, more so that they split their previous two encounters that were both a thriller.

The Sarok Weavers drew first blood 73-69 in the elimination round last July 16 but the Plastic Men bounced back with vengeance via an 81-80 cliffhanger in the semifinals just two nights ago.

“We are very excited to play against Mandaue since we all know how prepared and loaded they are. It will be a great series and it will again test our character as a team,” Malazarte said.

Sarok Weavers coach Paul Alelu Flores shared the same sentiments.

“We expect an exciting series against Mandaue,” said Flores, who traces their bitter rivalry with Mandaue back in the Governors Cup a few years ago. “To all the Consolacionanons, we promise to give our best in this championship series.”

On the other end of the line, Mandaue head coach Gerald Ylaya said they will go for all the marbles now that the opportunity comes their way.

“We are excited for the championship match. We all work hard physically and emotionally though we are still trying to find a catalyst for more gel to bind us together. That is an advantage for Sarok Weavers because they’ve been together longer and as champions they have a lot to protect. We see that motivation in them,” Ylaya said.

“As the challenger, we are hungry and eager to win and we are trying to direct that energy in a positive way. We will try to find ways to stop their scorers and hopefully earn the trophy this season,” Ylaya ended.