ILOCOS NORTE -- Michelle Gumabao starred in Creamline's 25-18, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18, debut victory over Sta. Lucia in the opening day of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference, at the Socio-Civic Cultural Center here in Bacarra, Saturday.
The win extended the Cool Smashers' winning streak to 21 games dating back to the 2019 Open Conference where the team swept the entire tournament en route to the championship.
Through multiple attacks, Gumabao engineered Creamline's 18-9 advantage in the fourth set. MJ Philips tried to keep Sta. Lucia afloat, trimming the lead to just six points 16-22.
Gumabao, however, went for the jugular, scoring two straight before Jeanette Panaga slammed the doors shut with a running attack, 25-18.
The former PVL Best Opposite Spiker out of La Salle finished with 24 points founded on 21 attacks, two aces, and a block laced with 15 digs to spearhead Creamline's victory.
Meanwhile, Alyssa Valdez ended up with 20 points on 17 attacks and three rejections. Jia Morado tallied 25 excellent sets along with five points, four of which came from the service line.
"Naging supportive ang management dahil naka dalawang bubble kami. Siyempre hindi natin masasabi kung ano magiging game kasi syempre matagal nga yung bakasyon. 'Yun team naman naging ready naman sila sa game na ito," said Creamline assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, who is filling in for Tai Bundit who is undergoing quarantine.
MJ Phillips was the the leading scorer for the debuting Sta. Lucia with 20 points built on 14 attacks, five blocks, and an ace. She also had 13 excellent digs in the loss.
Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had 11 points on nine attacks and two from the service line while Jovielyn Prado provided the spark off the bench with eight points and 16 excellent receptions.
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