PVL: Creamline sweeps Akari before record Cebu crowd

Creamline Cool Smashers during a game vs Akari Chargers in the PVL All-Filipino Conference opener in Cebu City. –PVL PHOTO

CEBU CITY — Creamline kicked off its title defense with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 sweep of Akari in front of 19,106 fans in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series opener on Saturday at SM Seaside Cebu Arena here.

Buoyed by the new record crowd in Cebu’s newest arena, the Cool Smashers asserted their dominance and depth, with Alas Pilipinas setter Jia De Guzman returning to orchestrate their offense with 16 excellent sets, as all scoring players contributed at least a point.

Jema Galanza led Creamline as it joined sister team Choco Mucho among the winners of the PVL’s 10th season opener.

Galanza delivered 16 points off 11 kills, three blocks, and two aces to go with 14 excellent receptions and eight digs.

Pangs Panaga, a 10-time Best Middle Blocker, had five blocks for seven points. Michele Gumabao had six points, while Alyssa Valdez played sparingly with four points. Jen Nierva had 14 receptions and six digs. 

“We’re really happy because Creamline is once again part of PVL history. It feels good to be back and win, too,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino. “Having a deep lineup helps us a lot. In this game, for example, it was a team effort. I think we have one of the biggest rosters, so teamwork will be crucial throughout the conference, especially since it’s an all-to-play format. We need to adapt to that.”

“It’s a big advantage for us that everyone contributes whenever they’re called upon. Every player who gets into the lineup has to do their job and work hard. That’s really important for our team,” he added.

Creamline nearly let a commanding lead slip away in the second set, when Akari rallied from a 20-10 deficit with Ivy Lacsina’s kill and Daps Dapol’s ace cutting the gap to one, 22-21.

Galanza answered with back-to-back kills to put Creamline at set point before Lorie Bernardo sealed the set.

Lacsina was the lone double-digit scorer for Akari with 12 points. Fifi Sharma had seven points.

Creamline takes on Galeries on October 17 at Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, while Akari tries to bounce back against Capital1 on Thursday in Antipolo.