Cool Smashers, Angels seal another pvl title duel with sweeps

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Creamline and PetroGazz made quick work of their semifinal assignments Sunday to seal a second straight clash for a championship in the Premier Volleyball League.

At full strength and not holding back punches, Creamline overpowered Motolite, 25-18, 25-15, 25-8, for its 18th straight win that sewed up another title series slot for the most decorated franchise of the league.

The Cool Smashers will defend their crown against PetroGazz, which earlier overwhelmed BanKo Perlas, 28-26, 25-17, 25-17.

Both swept their best-of-three semifinal series and extended their seething rivalry. They also battled it out during the recent Reinforced Conference.

“It’s going to be a tough series because we know how strong PetroGazz is,” said Jia Morado, Creamline’s playmaker who had 21 excellent sets.

“We need to work on our consistency and chemistry. That’s what coach Tai (Bundit) is asking from us,” added the national team stalwart.

Game 1 of the best-of-three finals is on Nov. 6 at FilOil Flying V Centre, where Sunday’s losers, Motolite and BanKo Perlas, clash for bronze medal in a separate series.

Morado said the finals will be exciting because Creamline is out to avenge its loss to PetroGazz in the last import-flavored conference.

“We still have a whole week to prepare against them and maybe we can work on our communication better,” added Morado, who along with Alyssa Valdez divide their time between the national team and Creamline.

PetroGazz leaned on its well-balanced system with Jovielyn Prado hitting 13 points. Stephanie Mercado and Jonah Sabete helped with 11 and 10, respectively, while Cherry Nunag had seven.

But the most telling aspect for the Angels was their defense, which threw a wrench on the Perlas Spikers’ usually effective offense.

PetroGazz scored 11 kill blocks—four coming from Jeanette Panaga—compared to BanKo’s two.