PVL: Creamline stays unbeaten, beats Petro Gazz in comeback win

Creamline Cool Smashers stay undefeated after outlasting Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos and Bernadeth Pons sparked Creamline’s come-from-behind 25-22, 23-25, 25-27, 25-19, 15-13 victory over Petro Gazz in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference.

But the hard-hitting pair of Carlos and Pons, who were fielded in for Michele Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez in the fourth, brought the ‘happy, happy’ and delivered in the clutch against the determined Angels to help their team stay unbeaten in five games.

“I think it’s not just me and Pons. It’s still the whole team, we just really helped the team. Before me and Pons entered the court, we told each other to change the mood of the team,” said Carlos, who came off the bench with 16 points. “We started with the ‘happy happy’ and the enjoyment in the game and then we were able to sustain it. I’m just really proud of all my teammates and coaches and all the members of the team.”

“Despite almost losing the game, we didn’t give up, Everyone really contributed to the game,” she added.

In the rematch of the last All-Filipino Conference finalists, the Angels seemed close to dealing the defending champion’s first defeat this tournament with a 2-1 set advantage.

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Tots Carlos. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But Carlos and Pons joined hands to score the last seven points in the fourth set to force a decider then the Cool Smashers pulled away with an 11-7 lead in the fifth.

Remy Palma’s costly service error brought Creamline to match point, 14-11m, but Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and a four touches violation saved two match points for Petro Gazz until Carlos nailed a down-the-line kill to end the two-hour and 27-minute match.

“We didn’t look at the score, we just focused on what we should perform and embrace our roles inside the court. We just have to work hard and help each other. That’s what we need in the fourth and fifth to get this good result,” said Pons, who finished with eight points.

Gumabao still led the charge for Creamline with 19 points after only playing in the first three sets. Jema Galanza had 15 points, 13 digs, and 12 excellent receptions. Valdez had eight points and seven receptions, while setter Kyle Negrito dished out 22 excellent sets on top of four points including three aces.

“We’re happy to get this win because everyone from the team delivered. We’re thankful because our bench players, actually they are not bench players. They got the opportunity to finish the game because Petro Gazz would not let us win. Their chemistry has been there for a long time,” said Meneses in Filipino.

Petro Gazz absorbed its second straight loss after winning its first four games, sliding to a 4-2 record tied with F2 Logistics at sixth place.

Grethcel Soltones and Jonah Sabete powered the Angels with 23 and 22 points, respectively. Palma had 14 points including four blocks, while Pontillas had 13 points, 16 digs, and 15 excellent receptions.

Post game interview with Creamline Cool Smashers

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