PVL: Balanced Creamline beats Chery Tiggo for Meneses’ 100th win
Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez during a PVL quarterfinal clash with Chery Tiggo.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline showcased its dependable chemistry even in the face of adversity to subdue Chery Tiggo, 25-10, 27-25, 25-21, and gain headway in their quarterfinal encounter Tuesday at the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference.
Alyssa Valdez imposed herself right in the opening frame and eventually guided the Cool Smashers in finishing off the Crossovers in straight sets that delivered the 100th win of Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses with the franchise.
“Getting Game 1 has set the tone of the series, but we have to work harder and prepare for Game 2,” said Valdez after pouring most of her 16 points in the first two sets apart from protecting their floor with 13 digs and nine receptions.
READ: PVL: Alyssa Valdez: Creamline needs focus, aggressiveness vs Chery Tiggo
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses and Alyssa Valdez after taking game 1 of the quarterfinals. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/wCit8eqTzT
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 18, 2025
After securing the opening frame, the Smashers found themselves down by four on the latter part of the second set but were able to climb that steep hill in reversing the trend.
“We’ve been together for a long time, so we share a different chemistry on and off the court. The trust is likewise different, especially during crunch time,” said Valdez, the league’s three-time MVP.
Kyle Negrito efficiently set up her teammates in the majority of the Smashers’ attack and had 20 excellent sets while middle blockers Bea De Leon, Bang Panaga and hitter Tots Carlos also wound up in double figures.
Valdez’s back-to-back power tips and a spike off the block punctuated a 6-0 tear for a commanding 18-7 Creamline advantage in Set 1.
With the Crossovers trying to find ways in slowing down the projectiles Valdez rained down on them, it was the turn of Carlos and De Leon to shine.
De Leon’s attack and a deflection along with the crosscourt assault by Carlos that found the back row edge continued to torment the opposing squad before De Leon’s kill block at set point.
READ: PVL: Ara Galang, Chery Tiggo unfazed ahead of Creamline playoff series
The Crossovers immediately threw an unforgettable set out of the window by engaging the defending champions with a far better start in Set 2.
Pauline Gaston’s stealthy drop shot, a Shaya Adorador spike and an attack error by Jema Galanza put Chery Tiggo ahead, 7-5, but the Cool Smashers rose from a four-point deficit anchored on Bernadeth Pons and Panaga in turning their fortunes around.
Panaga’s block tied the count at 25 and ended the set with an imposing block on Shaya Adorador made painful by Chery Tiggo’s wrong rotation in a prior play.
“We wouldn’t have achieved such a milestone if not for the players and the support of the management. As you all know, the goal of the team is to win games and hopefully we can win more in our succeeding matches,” said Meneses.
The Smashers were clearly headed to sweeping the Crossovers as Negrito set the tone with an ace followed by successive strikes by De Leon, Panaga and Carlos.
Pons had another kill and a down-the-line spike by Valdez pushed them three points closer to match point.
Carlos scored on a crucial-off-the-block hit before Chery Tiggo was finally forced to lay down its arms on Ara Galang’s attack error that went beyond the sideline.
Game 2 of their best-of-three series is set Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
