Creamline Cool Smashers during the PVL Invitationals. –PVL PHOTO
It was difficult to make out exactly what PLDT would be after the club’s first two games in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.
On Saturday, at Mall of Asia Arena, the Power Hitters established their identity: Contenders.
PLDT bucked a slow start to fend off another tournament dark horse in Army Black Mamba, 17-25, 25-11, 25-20. 25-18, and inch closer to a semifinal berth.
Jules Samonte continued to shine in her new position as wing spiker, leading the Power Hitters’ balanced attack with 17 points built on 14 attacks, two aces, and a block and had 20 digs as they snapped the two-game winning streak of the Lady Troopers in one hour and 56 minutes.
“We were rushing things in the first set. I told them to stay composed. After that set, they showed synchronization in their movements,” said PLDT head coach George Pascua in Filipino.
Later in the night, Tots Carlos unleashed 25 points as Creamline pounced on its depleted sister team Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-14, 25-22, to also hone in on a semifinal ticket.
Carlos was nearly unstoppable with 23 kills, one ace and a block as the Cool Smashers dominated the Flying Titans in front of a roaring 15,237 fans clad in pink and purple.
“Tots has really improved her reception. If she receives well, she will score a lot of points,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino. “I told her to take advantage every time she avoids the opposing team’s blockers.”