HD Spikers, Angels start title showdown

MANILA, Philippines — Cignal and Petro Gazz will establish a new Premier Volleyball League order as they clash for the Reinforced Conference crown starting today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Game Two is set on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena while a deciding Game Three, if necessary, is slated next week at the same Pasig venue.

Whatever happens, there will be a new champion not named Creamline, which topped the Open and Invitational Conferences early this year but fell short this conference.

The once mighty Cool Smashers, whose reign of terror ended and whose historic Grand Slam bid denied, try to salvage some measure of pride as they shoot for third place against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.

The finale is set at 5:30 while the battle for third is at 2:30 p.m.

Petro Gazz will be gunning for its first title since claiming its breakthrough PVL crown in the Reinforced Conference three years ago while Cignal eyes nothing less than its first crown.

Best Import front runner Lindsey Vander Weide is optimistic they will go into their short series in high spirits after their emphatic 25-14, 25-21, 25-27, 25-19 win over Cignal in the semis Tuesday.

“It feels good to go to the finals with two big wins,” said the prolific Vander Weide, who blew up with a magnificent 30-point performance last time.

Vander Weide noted her strong chemistry with setter Djanel Cheng could make a big difference in the series.

“We meshed really well and I think it will be important in the finals,” she said.

Cignal came into its Petro Gazz showdown like a spent team after giving it all in slaying the dragon in Creamline, 23-25, 25-23, 28-26, 25-18, in the previous game.

The HD Spikers hope to recover their strength and confidence if they want to have a chance at their first title in the league.

“We just need to continue to believe in ourselves and work harder,” said Cignal mentor Shaq delos Santos.