In a display of championship poise and experience, Creamline asserted its dominance, out-maneuvering Choco Mucho in four compelling sets, 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22, and edging one step closer to yet another Premier Volleyball League sweep in the All-Filipino Conference before a raucous crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena Thursday night.
With six championships in 10 finals appearances, the Cool Smashers showcased a level of experience that proved insurmountable for the Flying Titans as they moved a win away from mirroring their flawless 2019 PVL Open campaign where they won all 20 games.
“Team effort talaga, so happy ako kasi lahat ng situation na nangyari ngayon, nagawan namin ng paraan,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, who drew 16 points apiece from top hitters Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza. “Yung Choco Mucho talagang hindi rin talaga magpapatalo ‘yan kasi kita niyo naman, sa haba ng conference sila yung nakapasok. Mainit talaga sila sa ngayong conference. Hindi talaga kami (dapat) magpabaya pero hindi pa tapos, may Game 2 pa so trabaho ulit kami bukas.”
Creamline guns for the clincher on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Alyssa Valdez emerged as the catalyst in a nail-biting third set after the two teams split the first two, spearheading a resolute comeback from a 20-22 deficit on a four-point binge and the bench stepped up in the fourth with Michele Gumabao and Bernadette Pons orchestrating a stirring rally from a 10-13 disadvantage.
That put a thrilling conclusion to a sibling matchup filled with spectacular plays, protracted exchanges, and heightened drama. The Cool Smashers, unfazed by the pressure, leaned on their championship mentality to secure the pivotal moments to frustrate a team making its first dip in a PVL finals in eight conferences.
“Syempre masaya kami na yun nga, we’re really happy for the fans and specially for our bosses na talagang sinusuportahan ‘tong dalawang teams na ‘to. So yun, honestly masaya lang kami na nanalo kami and yun nga marami pa kaming kailangan trabahuhin,” said Carlos.
Kyle Negrito also shone in her duel with Deanna Wong, putting up a 22-excellent set performance against the latter’s 17. The former’s decisions, particularly entrusting Valdez in the third and seamlessly transitioning to Pons and Gumabao in the fourth, underscored the Cool Smashers’ strategy and adaptability.
“Sobrang dami nang pinagdaanan ng team. Di namin din ineexpect na aabot din kami sa ganto so ayaw lang din namin na masayang yung lahat ng pinagpaguran namin and lahat din ng nagstep up sa team so talagang ilalaban namin to hanggang dulo,” said Galanza.
Panaga came up with 13 points and Valdez and Gumabao ended up with 11 markers apiece. Pons scored all her three points in the fourth while Negrito added four markers.
Galanza and Valdez also combined for 24 excellent digs and 16 receptions.
Madayag’s rare display of offensive brilliance netted her 18 points while Sisi Rondina had 17 points and Tolentino finished with 16 points for the Flying Titans, who yielded 17 attack points to the Cool Smashers but dominated the net with 13 blocks, three more than their rivals.
Gumabao’s last two points put Creamline at 23-20 and the Cool Smashers moved to match point on a Kat Tolentino attack error.
But Pangs Panaga, who also sizzled in the middle with her quick blasts, threw a point on a wild serve and Maddie Madayag, who dazzled with her imposing kill blocks (7), kept the Flying Titans in the match with a two-handed dump after a Creamline overpass from a Bea de Leon solid serve.
But the Cool Smashers held firm as Negrito set up a play for Pons, who blasted a textbook spike from the left flank, leaving the Flying Titans unable to mount a defense.
As the final point echoed through the arena, the Cool Smashers and their roaring fans from the 8,616 crowd, celebrated not just a victory but a testament to their championship experience, blending skills, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of volley excellence.
