PVL: Creamline beats F2 Logistics in ‘unexpected’ blowout

MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Creamline beat F2 Logistics in lopsided fashion, 25-19, 25-16, 25-16, to stay unbeaten in six games in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As a starter, Tots Carlos sustained her fine play and showed the way with 15 points and 11 digs with Michele Gumabao, the leading scorer of the team, only playing sparingly in every set and finished with three points.

Alyssa Valdez didn’t see action but coach Sherwin Meneses relied on his other spikers with Jema Galanza contributing  11 points and Bernadeth Pons adding seven points and seven digs to rise to a 6-0 record on top of the 12-team field.

Meneses assured that the three-time PVL MVP, who sat out for the first time this conference, is healthy.

“Alyssa is 100 percent. We’re just trying to discover different combinations since this is a long conference. The team is doing well, too, despite the different rotations,” said the Creamline coach in Filipino. “We’re just giving more opportunity to Pons today. Alyssa is Alyssa. She’s always been the heart and soul of Creamline. We’ll see next game.”

Creamline setter Kyle Negrito continued to deliver the goods for the Cool Smashers with 20 excellent sets, scoring seven points including two aces while Jeanette Panaga also had seven points ahead of their out-of-town match against PLDT (5-2) on Saturday in Cagayan De Oro.

SURPRISING BLOWOUT

Meneses admitted he was surprised that they took the Cargo Movers in just an hour and 25 minutes after their past duels with F2 went toe-to-toe.

“We didn’t expect this because all of our games against them were close. We’re just lucky because we were able to pull away. But knowing F2, they will keep on fighting,” he said. “Our preparation was effective because everyone who played delivered. We’re happy with this win.”

F2 Logistics’ two-game winning streak was snapped by Creamline with a 4-3 record tied with Petro Gazz in sixth place.

No Cargo Mover scored in double figures with Jolina Dela Cruz leading the way with eight points including two blocks. Majoy Baron and Ara Galang chipped in seven points each, while Ivy Lacsina, one of their leading scorers, was limited to just three points.

Myla Pablo returned to action after missing the last two games due to back spasms but she was scoreless in the two sets played.

F2 Logistics seeks to bounce back against the surging Cignal (5-2) on Thursday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.