Michele Gumabao leads Creamline Cool Smashers in their latest PVL victory. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline got to test the mettle of its deep bench but still managed to keep its winning streak alive after dismantling Galeries Tower, 25-22, 25-17, 25-15, on Thursday at PhilSports Arena.
Michele Gumabao nailed 10 points to help the Cool Smashers to a three-game winning streak in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference and 18th consecutive victory dating back to the last conference.
“We’re very happy sa performance and we’re very proud of everyone who played today,” Alyssa Valdez, who contributed eight points in two sets, said. “But sinasabi din samin nila coach na we can’t be too complacent din talaga kahit Galeries yung kalaban namin.”
“Kailangan may respect and andoon parin yung aggressiveness namin,” she added.
Almost every Cool Smasher scored against the Highrisers behind Kyle Negrito’s 18 excellent sets.
Coach Sherwin Meneses and Alyssa Valdez after Creamline’s third win. #PVL2024 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/DCzRYEQzke
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) March 7, 2024
Galeries attempted to mount a comeback with a 4-1 opening salvo in the final frame but its own errors, as well as Creamline’s consistent offensive showing, denied the Highrisers from clinching a set in the one hour and 18 minute contest.
Gumabao and Lorie Bernardo led the Cool Smashers in that decisive set on the way to a 22-14 lead before a Ysa Jimenez’ attack sailed out, giving Galeries its third consecutive loss in as many games.
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“Okay yung rotation. Actually, every game naman kahit sino yung kalaban, pwedeng maging rotation yung team namin so, ngayon naman, sabi namin mag-perform ng maganda,” Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said.
“I-ready yung sarili nila kung sino yung nasa loob so, masaya kami kasi lahat naman nagperform talaga ng maganda,” Meneses added.
Creamline committed consecutive errors and had five set points before finally securing the first set.
Jimenez paced the Highrisers with 11 points, all on attacks, and Roma Joy Doromal had nine. Alyssa Eroa, Galeries’ starting libero, tried to weather Creamline’s offense with 17 excellent digs.
The defending champions will look to keep their winning ways when they meet league newcomer Strong Group on Tuesday in the same Pasig City venue.