ILOCOS NORTE --Creamline has found the most lethal combination it successfully unleashed in its two-game semifinal sweep of Petro Gazz in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference--the power-hitting troika of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza.
But it won't work without the glue that kept everything together--setter Jia Morado.
"It was a total team effort but I guess it won't happen without Jia also," said Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez.
Morado has been the maestro conducting the beautiful music being played by the Cool Smashers at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center here in Bacarra and averaged 36.5 excellent sets.
It included a 36-set masterpiece when Creamline finished off Petro Gazz, 27-25, 25-22, 25-16, Monday that sealed the Cool Smashers the first seat in the best-of-three finals against either Chery Tiggo or Choco Mucho unfurling Wednesday.
And Morado, who is tipped to run away with the Best Setter award this conference, everyone in the team can be relied upon if called upon.
"Every spiker in this team, maaasahan ko talaga whether inside the court or outside. Anyone na ipasok, alam ko magagamit namin ni Kyle (Negrito) whenever put it in," said Morado.
Under Morado's baton, the troika of Carlos, Galanza and Valdez went on attack mode and combined for 42 points.
It also produced significant contributions from middleblockers Jeanette Panaga and Risa Sato, who chipped in 10 and eight hits, respectively.
"Grabe talaga firepower nilang tatlo (Carlos, Galanza and Valdez) pag nagsama," said Morado. "When everyone is in sync including yung middles namin (Panaga and Sato), mahirap lang talaga para sa kalaban and we're doing our best to maximize that in the finals." (VJ)
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