Photo from PVL
MANILA, Philippines—Tots Carlos exploded with 28 points as Creamline rode out a tough stand by Petro Gazz, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, Wednesday night to claim No. 1 spot in Pool B of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at Paco Arena in Manila.
The athletic, high-powered spiker helped decentralize the Cool Smashers’ offensive option as they swept all their three matches in the pool competitions. They will face Pool A’s fourth place and defending champion Chery Tiggo Crossovers who beat them in the finals last year.
The Angels absorbed only their first defeat in three games and will settle for No. 2 ranking but, along with the Cool Smashers, will enjoy twice-to-beat incentive in the next round.
Jema Galanza added 18 points to provide more choices for Creamline setter Jia Morado-De Guzman. Alyssa Valdez added 17 markers.
“This is a big morale booster for us going to the quarterfinals,” said Carlos, the University of the Philippines hotshot who had stints with several clubs before landing in Creamline roster. “It’s a team effort for us. We know that PetroGazz is no pushovers and we can’t belittle them.”
PetroGazz sure gave Creamline a fight worthy of the teams’ rivalry in the past before the league grew much much bigger around them.
Grethcel Soltones unleashed 23 points, MJ Phillips had 15, while Aiza Maizo-Pontillas relived her younger days in scoring 13 for the Angels.