Spikers stake lead vs Cool Smashers

MANILA, Philippines — The Spikers go all out to keep their perfect slate as they face the Cool Smashers  while Ateneo goes for its third straight win against Tacloban in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the Filoil Flying V Center in San Juan today.

The Spikers beat their first five opponents to remain the sole unbeaten squad and are hoping to sustain the trend when they collide with the second-running Cool Smashers, who have since recovered from an opening game loss and are coming off four straight wins, at 6 p.m.

Spikers coach Dong dela Cruz said there are no star players in his team, as opposed to the Cool Smashers, and he’s calling on his charges to step up and play as a team.

“Their lineup is star-studded. Anyone could contribute,” said Dela Cruz.

“We cannot be complacent because one mistake could lead to a loss. From the start, I’m telling my players that everybody must contribute because we don’t have a star player,” he added.

Creamline, fresh from a stunning 25-19, 25-17, 20-25, 16-25, 16-14 win over Air Force where setter Jia Morado delivered the winning back-to-back aces, will be without Miss Globe candidate Michele Gumabao for the third time but is still hopeful of a good showing.

“I think the key is really communication. We should not have any lapses and it starts with communication,” said skipper Alyssa Valdez.

In the other match at 4 p.m., the Lady Eagles shoot for their third straight win, hoping to display more patience and maturity as they tangle with the skidding Fighting Warays.

Ateneo escaped winless Adamson, 17-25, 25-23, 25-20, 21-25, 15-12, the last time out to share the second spot with Creamline. Tacloban dropped two straight games for a 2-3 card at sixth.

“We have to be patient. We have to be more mature in our decision-making. Sometimes, the opponent is very persistent and we become impatient. ‘Yung discipline and taking responsibility inside the court, nauubos. We have to be patient, start it right and end it right always,” said Lady Eagles coach Oliver Almadro.