Creamline matched sister team Choco Mucho’s straight-set win over Akari in practically the same fashion, dominating the opening set then bouncing back in the next two to annex a 25-18, 25-20, 25-22 victory to close out the opening day of the 2023 PVL All-Filipino Conference, Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But the Cool Smashers pulled off a more rousing escape in the second frame, sweeping the last seven straight points to turn an 18-20 deficit into a five-point win. Petro Gazz also showed the way early and late in the third but the Cool Smashers had too much firepower for the Angels to neutralize while showing grace under pressure in the clutch.
The defending champions came into the match with a full array of weapons despite the absence of skipper and top hitter Alyssa Valdez, whose return remains uncertain after sustaining a knee injury in their Reinforced Conference battle for third with Chery Tiggo.
“Yung sistema naman isa lang ginagawa e. Kung anong posisyon mo, parehas lang naman ginagawa sa bench so hindi naman mahirap mag-adjust pero syempre iba pa rin kapag nandiyan si Ly [Valdez],” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Yung leadership naman napagtutulungan nila MG, Jia, so ayun,” he added.
Jia De Guzman spread the offense and tossed 27 excellent sets. She produced four double-digit scorers in the Cool Smashers’ rousing debut win, which spoiled the debut of new Angels head coach Oliver Almadro.
Michele Gumabao and Ced Domingo carried the scoring cudgels with 13 points apiece while Tots Carlos put on an all-around showing of 11 points, 15 excellent receptions, and nine excellent digs.
Jeanette Panaga had 10 points while Jema Galanza was limited to just six markers.
The reigning Reinforced Conference champions also played without top middle blocker MJ Philips due to shoulder concerns but they sorely missed the power of Myla Pablo, who has moved to F2 Logistics during the off-season.
Like in the previous set, Petro Gazz also led late in the third, 20-18, but this time, the Angels held sway to cling to a 22-21 lead. But a Ced Domingo block and a Michele Gumabao ace on a Petro Gazz mis-receive shoved Creamline on top and the Cool Smashers clinched the set and the match – while keeping their unbeaten run over the Angels – on a Domingo quick attack and a Jonah Sabete mishit.
Tiamzon and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas led the Angels with 10 points each while Grethcel Soltones had nine points.
