The throne just became vacant after Creamline dragged down defending champion Pocari Sweat-Air Force, 25-15, 25-18, 25-16, in Game 3 of its semifinals series in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre.
Off a 14-14 tie in the middle part of the third set, the Cool Smashers showed no remorse and closed out the Lady Warriors with an 11-2 run.
Skipper Alyssa Valdez and Kuttika Kaewpin led the charge for Creamline with 15 points apiece against a depleted Pocari squad.
Lady Warriors captain Myla Pablo hurt her back during warm ups and wasn’t able to return to the game.
Valdez said their win against Pocari was one of the most stressful victories they have ever had with the he Cool Smashers’ first finals appearance at stake.
“I think of all the games, this one was the one that had the most pressure,” said Valdez in Filipino. “After so manu conferences wherein we failed to enter the finals, we were really pumped to break that slump.”
“And this would be my first time that, I think, I would feel the fire and desire to keep going, to keep training harder for every match.”
Arielle Love, who was hospitalized on Thursday night due to dehydration, put up 11 points for the Lady Warriors while Madeline Palmer had nine.
Risa Sato also finished in double figures for Creamline with 10 points.