Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate a point against Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline returned to the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after turning the tables on Cignal, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Erica Staunton willed the Cool Smashers with a career-high 38 points, 36 from attacks, to arrange an all-or-nothing championship bout with first-time finalist Akari on Monday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“It was a total team effort. Even though Erica [Staunton] scored 38 points, the contribution from our team was solid,” coach Sherwin Meneses said. “We’ll enjoy this win a little, but we still have one more game to focus on.”
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference final
Bernadeth Pons carved out another career-best performance with 28 attack points that she laced with 17 excellent digs and 24 excellent receptions that highlighted the formidable floor defense of her crew.
“First of all, I’m really happy because we survived this game. It was truly a team effort. Even when Cignal was down to their last point, we stayed focused on every point and didn’t give up. And yes, God is good,” Pons said.
Kyle Negrito dished out 25 excellent sets to bring the best out of Creamline including Michele Gumabao who had 10 points and Pangs Panaga added eight.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Erica Staunton in the PVL semifinals game against Cignal HD Spikers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Creamline last won a Reinforced title six years ago, and it has a chance to add another one in its collection if it outlasts the Oly Okaro powered Chargers.
Cignal still has a shot to end up in the podium if it surpasses a frustrated PLDT side who lost earlier in the day.
MJ Perez paced the HD Spikers with 32 points built on 27 attacks and five blocks. She also caught 11 excellent digs and 18 excellent receptions.
READ: PVL semis: Akari streak, Creamline winning tradition on the line
Ces Molina added 15 points as well as 17 excellent receptions and Jackie Acuna 12 as Gel Cayuna tossed 21 excellent sets.
Molina extended Cignal’s lead to three in the fourth frame before a net touch by Perez committed a net error that tied the game at 24-all.
Panaga was caught over-reaching but Staunton recovered and tied the set again at 25-all. Negrito stopped an attack by Cignal before Staunton nailed a cross-court.
The HD Spikers appeared to be in control of the deciding set before a 4-1 run by the Cool Smashers inched them closer to victory. Perez scored back-to-back points as Acuna punched in a quick attack, 14-13.
Pons ended the contest with a kill of the block to seal the result.