Erika Staunton and the Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Reinforced Conference game against Choco Mucho Flying Titans. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Playoff-bound Creamline strengthened its position in the PVL Reinforced Conference after dominating once more sister team Choco Mucho, 25-16, 25-19, 31-29, on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Cool Smashers extinguished a third-set attempt by the Flying Titans to extend the match with multiple cogs reaching twin digits with import Erica Staunton playing steadily after contributing 19 points off 17 attacks and two blocks.
“Of course, we’re happy that we were able to recover in the third set after winning the first two sets. This will probably boost our morale. The third set really challenged our team; we had to come back from a significant deficit, so we’re happy we managed to recover,” coach Sherwin Meneses said.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference second round
Bernadeth Pons contributed 12 points apart from 13 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions, Michele Gumabao 11 points, including two aces, and Bea de Leon 10 including five blocks.
Pangs Panaga was also instrumental with eight points, most of which came from her defense at the net.
“I just really appreciate all of the confidence that they had in me, that ate Kyle had in me to just feed me the ball. I was feeling good in that third set,” Staunton said.
“It took a minute, I think I started off slow in the first set so my teammates really had my back throughout that game and waited for me to start getting my hot hand and be able to put the ball away. So honestly all credits to my teammates,” she added.
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Choco Mucho is technically still in the hunt for the last available quarterfinal seat despite sinking to a 2-5 hole. It will have to finish better than Farm Fresh (3-4) next week.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Bernadeth Pons against Choco Mucho Flying Titans defenders. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Dindin Santiago-Manabat was the only Titan to reach double-digits with 10 points, eight attacks and two aces. Zoi Faki and Maika Ortiz added seven points apiece.
The Flying Titans looked like they were about to prolong the match after a surprising 14-23 advantage in the third set after Maddie Madayag’s attack.
The Cool Smashers then mounted a mammoth 10-1 run to tie the game at 24-all. De Leon gave blocked Faki to give Creamline its first lead of the frame before, 26-25.
Faki quick scored for 28-all, as Pons scored off a cross-court. Alba launched a rare energetic kill to the disorganized defense of the Cool Smashers for the last tie before she was unexpectedly pulled out to be replaced by Deanna Wong.
Wong immediately set up Royse Tubino in the next play which was shutted down by Panaga and Staunton ending closing the doors for good.
Creamline will cap off its preliminary assignments with winless and eliminated ZUS Coffee on Thursday while Choco Mucho will attempt a last ditch effort against PLDT on the same day.
The loss of the Flying Titans allowed Capital1 and Petro Gazz to secure their respective playoff seats.