Creamline elevated its game to another level, transforming what was anticipated to be a tightly contested battle into a display of dominance, sweeping arch rival Petro Gazz, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18, to arrange a semifinal showdown with Cignal in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night.
Bernadeth Pons was the star of the evening, dazzling with her crafty power tips and precise placement shots in the second set, completely unraveling the Angels’ net and floor defense.
Not to be outdone, import Erica Staunton, Michele Gumabao, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga asserted their presence in the wings and the middle, as the Cool Smashers continued their relentless pursuit of a ninth league championship, which would include a sweep of the last three All-Filipino titles.
The one-hour, 33-minute victory, the first three-game romp in the quarters and achieved before a raucous and appreciative crowd at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan, was more than just a ticket to the semifinals – it was a step toward redemption. Creamline had settled for third in the previous import-laced conference, a tournament that saw Petro Gazz lift the trophy after besting Cignal in the finals.
By the third set, the Cool Smashers were in full command. They maintained their intensity and composure, never allowing Petro Gazz to mount a serious challenge, pulling away at 16-10 on a de leon hit in the last technical timeout.
They maintained control from that point, with Gumabao showcasing versatility by stepping away from her usual power game, delivering back-to-back points with a clever off-speed shot and a perfectly placed drop, extending the lead to 21-15.
Wilma Salas attempted to rally the Angels, but the Cool Smashers were relentless. Panaga, Staunton and Kyle Negrito combined forces for the final three points, with Negrito sealing the deal with a crafty 1-2 play that left Brooke Van Sickle and the Angels defenseless.
Creamline's balanced attack, anchored by Staunton, Pons, Gumabao, Panaga and de Leon, proved too much for the Angels, who struggled to find answers against the league’s winningest squad, which advanced despite the absence of key players.
“Sobrang happy kasi extended ang stay ni Erica," exclaimed Pons, after delivering another stellar performance with 16 points and 12 excellent receptions.
Pons was referring to their once-struggling but now reliable import, Staunton, who topscored with 19 points and finished with seven excellent digs while providing the crucial firepower and consistency that the team needed throughout their rollercoaster campaign in the mid-season conference organized by Sports Vision.
"I'm so excited and happy that I get to keep playing with my team," said Staunton. "I love this team, I love the environment. I'm so happy that I get to extend my stay here for a little bit longer and play a couple more games with my team."
Gumabao also shone with 11 markers while Panaga, de Leon and Negrito each contributed five points.
The Cool Smashers, who yielded to the Angels in five in the elims, initially appeared to have the first set firmly in their grasp, building a sizable lead. However, Petro Gazz clawed its way back, forcing a tense finish with ties at 22 and 23.
However, Creamline, showing nerves of steel, clinched the last two points of the set, with Brooke Van Sickle’s backcourt attack sailing long to give the Cool Smashers the early advantage.
The second set was less dramatic but equally compelling. Creamline controlled the tempo from start to finish, and Pons, typically known for her powerful hits, embraced a more versatile role, finding success through a mix of cunning plays that kept Petro Gazz off balance.
Salas and Van Sickle matched 18-point outputs but failed to draw solid support from the locals as Remy Palma finished with seven points and Myla Pablo added four markers.
However, for Pons, the journey is far from over.
"Hindi pa tapos, magta-trabaho kami uli. Sobrang saya lang kasi na-survive namin 'tong game na 'to. Alam namin na hindi ito madali, pero sobrang ginusto namin na maipanalo ito," said Pons about their victory, marking the first sweep in the quarterfinals.
The win sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash with Cignal, a team known for its resilience and experience.
As the Cool Smashers eye another championship, their recent form suggests they are peaking at the right time, ready to reclaim the top spot in the PVL.
With their sights set firmly on the title, Creamline isn’t just chasing history – they are rewriting it –
