PVL: Celine Domingo brings ‘real game’ back in time to help Creamline in semis

Ced Domingo celebrates a point for Creamline Cool Smashers. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ced Domingo wanted to unleash her lethal form as Creamline enters the climax of its title defense in the semifinal round of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference.

The 5-foot-9 middle blocker also stepped up when it mattered most for the Cool Smashers with 16 points including a game-high six blocks as they pulled off a  12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7 victory over the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers on Thursday at Philsports Arena.

Domingo admitted she struggled to show her top game during the pool phase despite their sweep of their first four games.

That’s why the 24-year-old Cool Smasher rose to the occasion when they went down to a 1-2 match deficit and almost lost their first semis game after blowing a 20-10 lead in the fourth set.

“Honestly, I know in myself in the past games, that’s really not my game,” said Domingo, who put on the finishing touches through her quick attacks and big blocks in the last two sets. “Going to the semis, I really focused on bringing back my game. That’s why I was able to contribute.”

The Far Eastern University product credited their composure to Creamline’s chemistry and experiences from winning three championships in the past four tournaments and representing the country in a couple of international events.

“We’re experienced playing in [tight matches] many times. I think one thing is we kept our composure to end the set,” she said. “Aside from training, we get out strength from each other, our families, our coaches and management. It helps when you have something to draw your strength from.”

Creamline gains an early 2-0 lead — including their pool phase win over PLDT — in the semifinal round before facing Cignal (1-1) on Saturday.

The Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses said Domingo and Co. will take Friday to recover and study the HD Spikers, who won four games in a row.

“It’s hard to prepare for games with just one day. So you need to rest your body before you prepare for your opponent. We don’t have long preparation because the league is very short. We’re just going back to basics, then we’ll figure out what to do with Cignal,” Meneses said.

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