Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Creamline powered past Power Smashers and claimed the third place trophy in four sets, 25-20, 11-25, 25-20, 25-19, in the 2017 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference women’s division Tuesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Guest player Kuttika Kaewpin led the charge for the Cool Smashers with 20 points, all on kills, to go on top of 15 excellent digs to carry her side to the bronze medal.
Conference MVP Alyssa Valdez provided the perfect complement with her 16 markers, built on 10 hits, five service aces, and a block, while Laura Schaudt had nine in the win.
Creamline surrendered the second set to the Power Smashers, 25-11, but woke up just in time as Kuttika and Valdez teamed up in the next two sets.
“We were in a position where we didn’t realize that we’ll be able to be in this stage,” bared Valdez in Filipino. “I think in that second set, we were overwhelmed and doubted ourselves if we can do this. But our coaches helped us overcome the hurdle that was the Power Smashers, who doesn’t stop fighting back in the game, and they reminded us to continue playing.”
The Power Smashers kept themselves alive in the fourth set and trimmed the deficit to two, 20-18, but their late errors doomed their comeback attempt as Schaudt capped off the victory with a killer hit.
“When you see Lau (Schaudt) and Dao (Kaewpin), they really want to go home with a medal and help the team.
That’s where we drew our inspiration,” said Valdez.
Kannika Thipachot topped the Power Smashers with 21 points, while Hyapa Amporn had 16 in the defeat.
Jovelyn Prado also got 12 points in the fourth-place finish.