Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL All-Filipino Cup. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Creamline swept PLDT, 25-20, 25-21, 25-17, and clinched its ticket to the semifinals of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at Philsports Arena on Tuesday.
The Cool Smashers tightened their grip on the top spot with a 6-1 record.
“We’re thankful that we got in [semis] again. We’re happy because our training paid off but I believe we’re just about to peak, come the semifinals. We’ll do better,” Ced Domingo said in Filipino.
The playoffs format did not work in Creamline’s favor last year, especially with the quotient system. Coach Sherwin Meneses made it a point that they would rather be in this position than rely on quotients once more.
“Last year, we can’t really say it was not in our favor, we really just lost. It wasn’t for us. But still, it’s the same, we just don’t base on quotients now, just wins. We’ll work hard in the semis so we don’t feel what we felt before.”
Three players scored in double-digits to propel Creamline to victory. Tots Carlos finished with a game-high 18 points while Domingo had 17 to her name. Jema Galanza was a silent contributor with 11 points.
In the third and final set, the Cool Smashers started the frame the same way they did in the first two–dominantly. They went on an 11-5 opening blitz to keep the High Speed Hitters away from a set.
Creamline followed it up with another 9-6 run to bury PLDT further, 20-11. The score reached 20-16 before Domingo scored a tip to bring Creamline at match point, 24-16.
Rhea Dimaculangan scored for PLDT to try and mount a comeback but an error by teammate Jovielyn Prado ended the match at 25-17, giving the High Speed Hitters a 4-2 card.
In the second set, Creamline led 23-19 before looking like they would fumble the salvo. Mich Morente and Mary Anne Mendrez would score back-to-back points for PLDT only for Galanza to finish off the rally back-to-back, 25-21.
The High Speed Hitters converted only 10 attacks compared to Creamline’s 18 in the second frame.
Morente ended the game with 12 to her name while Mika Reyes also tallied 11 in a losing effort.