PVL: Creamline dominates Capital1 in preseason
Creamline Cool Smashers during a PVL on Tour preseason game against Akari in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.–PVL PHOTO
VIGAN, Ilocos Sur — Creamline flexed its muscles to jumpstart its PVL on Tour campaign with a 25-10, 25-21, 25-10 sweep of Capital1 on Sunday at Chavit Coliseum here.
The Cool Smashers, led by old reliables Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Alyssa Valdez, and Michele Gumabao, gave the new-look Solar Spikers a baptism of fire and handed Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza De Brito a losing PVL comeback.
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“Of course, we’re happy because our campaign started off well, especially since we didn’t have much time to prepare,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.
“I think in our next games, we’ll work more on improving our offense and defense.”
Galanza shone with 12 points and eight digs for the Cool Smashers. Gumabao had 11 points, while Panaga nailed three blocks to finish with 10 points.
Valdez chipped in nine points, six digs, and five excellent receptions, as Kyle Negrito made 19 excellent sets.
Sheena Toring, the 12th overall pick, also made her presence felt with five points including two aces in two sets played.
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Creamline goes for 2-0 in Pool B against Akari on Monday at 6:30 p.m. to wrap up its Vigan tour.
After dominating the opening set by 15 points, Creamline was challenged by Shola Alvarez and Capital1 in the second set, where the Solar Spikers took a slim 19-17 lead.
But the Cool Smashers responded behind Valdez and Gumabao, taking a 2-0 set advantage on a Toring quick attack and successful block touch challenge off Valdez’s hit.
It was all Creamline in the third set as Galanza’s three consecutive kills followed by Kyle Negrito’s ace and Lorie Bernardo’s block put the Cool Smashers in front, 20-7, en route to a rousing victory.
De Brito, who last coached in the PVL with Akari in 2023, dropped his first Pool B game, missing top overall pick Bella Belen due to her national team duties as well as Leila Cruz.
No one scored in double figures for the Solar Spikers with Rovie Instrella leading the way with seven points. Alvarez and Jorelle Singh had five each.
Capital1 tries to bounce back against opening day winner Cignal at 4 p.m. on Monday.
