PVL semifinals: Creamline rebounds with sweep of Akari
Bernadeth Pons and Creamline celebrate during a PVL semis win over Akari.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline made short work of Akari, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, and widened its pathway to another championship in the semifinals of the PVL All Filipino Conference on Tuesday.
In dire need of desperate measures following a recent semifinal setback, the Cool Smashers relied heavily on Bernadeth Pons and Pangs Panaga for a recovery victory that put them back on track in chasing their “five-peat’’ dream.
“Coach (Sherwin Meneses) told us that we still hold 90 percent of our destiny. The outcome will really depend on how badly we want this win,” said Pons in Filipino after posting triple-double figures of 17 points, 15 receptions and 12 digs.
READ: PVL: Alyssa Valdez, Creamline put semis loss behind facing must-win
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, Bernadeth Pons, and Pangs Panaga share their thoughts after bouncing back and entering the win column in the semis. #PVL2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/yam631WAZD
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) April 1, 2025
Panaga had 13 attacks along with Tots Carlos, most of them crucial strikes that averted several potential fightbacks by the Chargers.
“We were told to move on after that loss (to Petro Gazz). We had a different goal today and focused on teamwork together with what we should really do,” said Panaga after contributing two aces and a block.
The Cool Smashers were on target right off the bat, building as many as seven points up on a Kyle Negrito ace and Panaga’s running attack.
Another quick wallop by Panaga in the next sequence put them a point shy from sealing Set 1 and Bea De Leon secured it with an impervious deflection on a failed Ivy Lacsina hit.
The Chargers were in control at the onset of the second set with Eli Soyud and Lacsina heading the assault only to be foiled by the relentless Creamline aggression anchored on Pons and Panaga.
Two sets up, the Cool Smashers didn’t let go as Pons dropped bombs one after the other that broke the last deadlock at 11 on their way to a cruise.
READ: PVL semifinals: Creamline’s drive for five faces familiar foes
Pons’ off-the-block strike pushed Creamline three points from match point before Alyssa Valdez took over and delivered the final touches.
Valdez rose from the left pin and hammered the game-winner off the hands of Camille Victoria.
Soyud, who assembled a personal-best 34 points for the Chargers in a semis-opening win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, was restrained with 11 points while Lacsina added eight points, eight digs and 11 receptions.
The demoralizing memory of that Petro Gazz defeat wiped out, the Cool Smashers can earn a seventh straight trip to the finals with a victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the end of the single-round semis on Thursday.
“After watching tonight’s game (of Choco Mucho), we’ll go back to practice tomorrow. We cannot really say what will happen on Thursday, but I’m sure we will be 100 percent,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
