Creamline played every inch a title contender when it stopped erstwhile unbeaten leader PayMaya, 25-18, 25-23, 25-19, Sunday night to take a share of the top spot in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at Tuguegarao City People’s Gymnasium.
It was a big departure from the Cool Smashers’ anemic showing against the BanKo-Perlas Spikers on Saturday, and one that tied them with the High Flyers at 2-1.
Kuttika Kaewpin scored 17 points, while Alyssa Valdez added 12 for Creamline, which also got eight points from Michele Gumabao—including the match-clinching kill-block off Jerrili Malabanan.
Tess Rountree led the High Flyers with 17 points, but failed to get enough help from fellow import Shelby Sullivan who could only score five points.
In the first match, Pocari Sweat-Air Force finally showed the performance that made it a three-time champion when it defeated BanKo-Perlas, 15-25, 25-15, 25-18, 25-22.
It was a major bounce for the Lady Warriors who had a dismal start when they bowed to the Smashers on Saturday at the same Tuguegarao gym.
Myla Pablo stood front and center for Pocari making 15 points, mostly in the second set that turned the tables for the Lady Warriors after a rusty first set.
Maddie Palmer led Pocari with 16 points, while Amelie Love turned in the same output as Pablo for the Lady Warriors, who merged with Air Force this conference.
Jeanette Panaga helped up with 18 points, while Angel Antipuesto had six for Pocari.
Things were going right for the Spikers after an easy opening frame but they soon lost steam as soon as the Lady Warriors intensified their service game.
The Lady Warriors won 11 points off aces compared to just six from the Spikers, on top of having a better reception (37-30) which translated into better first ball numbers and subsequent offense.