Erica Staunton and Creamline Cool Smashers in a PVL Reinforced Conference game against Zus Coffee. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline secured the third seed heading into the PVL Reinforced Conference playoffs after closing the doors on winless ZUS Coffee, 25-17, 25-15, 25-22, on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Erica Staunton provided 17 points from 15 attacks and a pair of blocks while Bernadeth Pons contributed 11 attack points as Kyle Negrito distributed 13 excellent sets. She also caught 12 excellent digs.
“We’re happy that we won today and are now entering the quarterfinals, so the momentum is there. We’ll just wait and see who our next opponent will be, and we’ll study them carefully,” coach Sherwin Meneses said.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round
“This game was important for us to gain momentum because the quarterfinals are coming up. I’m also happy that we got the win and that all my teammates had the chance to play.”
Michele Gumabao only played in the third set but Lorie Bernando stepped up in her stead, maximizing the rare extended playing minutes given to her with eight points.
“I’m happy that I was able to do my part for the team and contribute,” Bernardo said.
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Defensive ace Kyla Atienza had a near perfect game after logging 11 excellent digs out of 15 attempts for a 73 percent efficiency.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Kyla Atienza and Erica Staunton. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
The Cool Smashers now await their opponent in the knockout quarterfinals between No. 6 Capital1 and Petro Gazz, which battles Chery Tiggo in the nightcap.
Asaka Tamaru was a silver lining in the Thunderbelles’ last game of the conference after finishing with 16 points and 14 excellent digs. ZUS Coffee ended its campaign with a bitter eighth loss in as many games.
The newcomers started showing signs of life in the decider gaining some edge for some time. But Creamline had too much experience for ZUS Coffee to handle as Pons and Staunton tied the game at 19-all.
Gayle Pascual gave her crew the lead once more followed by an error and Gumabao’s smart attack brought the game to 21-all. And it was all the momentum that the Cool Smashers needed as they refused to let go of the lead anymore.
Gumabao scored off the block before landing the game-winning ace.