PVL: Tots Carlos fires 23 vs Akari as Creamline nears eliminations sweep

Tots Carlos leads Creamline Cool Smashers in latest win in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos poured in 23 points to push Creamline on the verge of sweeping the elimination round with a 26-28, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22 win over Akari in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) second All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Carlos provided the spark from the bench with 21 attacks and two blocks as the Cool Smashers recovered from a first-set loss, where they fought back from a 20-10 deficit but still fell short. Then they got the better of the hard-fighting Chargers, who missed Faith Nisperos due to a minor injury, in the next three sets to claim their 10th win.

“It was a good game. I think this kind of scenario will push us to execute and really bring out our game heading to the semis,” said the three-time PVL MVP in Filipino. 

“Every game is important for us and our goal is to win and get the top one.”

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jema Galanza. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Creamline tries to complete an elimination round sweep against Galeries Tower (1-9) on Tuesday next week.

Jema Galanza sustained her fine play with 16 points and 11 digs. Jeanette Panaga had 12 points including three blocks, while Alyssa Valdez and Bernadeth Pons added nine and eight points, respectively.

“It was a slow start and our fight back in the first set was not enough. But we’re still happy with the 10-0. We will continue to train and improve every day,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

Meneses praised Akari, which finished with a 5-6 record in their fourth PVL conference.

“By the next conference, for sure they will improve. Their tall team made it hard for us to fight,” he said.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat led the Chargers with 13 points and seven digs. Erika Raagas had 10 points.