Tots Carlos powers Creamline to another PVL Finals appearance. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Creamline completed a semifinal series sweep of F2 Logistics, 25-22, 25-23, 25-16, to earn its fifth straight Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Finals appearance on Tuesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cool Smashers, who played without Alyssa Valdez in the whole tournament, reached their eighth overall Finals stint with Tots Carlos leading the balanced attack, orchestrated by setter Jia De Guzman, who dished out 23 excellent sets.
The two-time PVL MVP Carlos poured in 19 points, while Michele Gumabao delivered 12 points to eliminate first-time semifinalist F2 Logistics, which got a much-needed boost from Myla Pablo returning from a two-game absence.
“We’re so happy to reach the Finals because knowing F2 they are really a solid team this conference. We’re happy that we avoided a fourth or fifth set because they are tough opponents to deal with,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.
Creamline will face either Petro Gazz or PLDT in a best-of-three Finals series starting on Sunday. The two remaining semifinalists dispute the last ticket to the championship round in a rubber match on Thursday.
Creamline’s Jema Galanza celebrates a point. –PVL PHOTO
Jema Galanza came to the rescue in the second set when the score was tied at 22-all as she nailed the last three points to take a 2-0 lead en route to their straight-set win, where she finished with 11 points, 15 digs, and 12 excellent receptions.
“It was a tough battle because both teams really prepared for this game. We’re thankful to the coaching staff for giving us good preparation. And of course, the team didn’t give up,” Galanza said.
Celine Domingo, who had been limping all game, was instrumental with 11 points built on five attacks, three blocks, and three aces, while libero Kyla Atienza added 17 digs and eight receptions.
F2 Logistics will be regulated in the battle for third as it was dominated by Creamline in the third, trailing 18-10.
The Cargo Movers forced tight encounters in the first two sets but they failed to answer the clutch troika of Carlos, Gumabao, and Galanza.
Kim Kianna Dy was the lone double-digit scorer for F2 Logistics with 11 points, while Pablo had nine points in her return.