Top seed Creamline outlasted BaliPure, 25-19, 13-25, 28-26, 18-25, 15-7, to take Game 1 of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference semifinals Saturday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
The Cool Smashers were without Alyssa Valdez for the fourth straight time, but just like in the previous games, they proved they can win without their superstar.
“It’s against all odds, but we will not be afraid. We have no fear,” said Creamline assistant coach Oliver Almadro.
“Everybody did well, but it’s not over yet. We’ll just continue to play unafraid.”
Creamline coasted in the fifth set but the most crucial stage of the game was the third set, where the Cool Smashers overcame a 24-20 deficit.
“We already lost the third set, but we were given the opportunity and we just grabbed it,” Almadro said.
The Cool Smashers and the Water Defenders have less than 24 hours left before they clash again for Game 2.
Rose Vargas and Pau Soriano scored 19 and 18 points, respectively for Creamline while Jing Balse showed flashes of her old form with 10 points.
Grethcel Soltones and Jerrili Malabanan had 19 points apiece for the Water Defenders.