Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 9) – The Creamline Cool Smashers continued their winning tradition in the Premier Volleyball League on Monday as they booked the first finals spot in the league’s maiden professional season.
The Tai Bundit-coached Cool Smashers reached the milestone after sweeping the Petro Gazz Angels, 27-25, 25-22, 25-16, in Game 2 of their semifinal tussle at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Unlike their exciting five-set comeback victory in Game 1, Creamline established their dominance this time in all ends of the floor as Tots Carlos commanded the charge with 21 points, with 18 from attacks.
The Cool Smashers seemed to have jitters in the first set as the Angels displayed their strength in attacks. But Creamline’s veteran experience prevailed down the stretch, despite being down 24-25, as Carlos and Alyssa Valdez scored crucial hits. An outside point by Petro Gazz’s Myla Pablo ended the set in favor of Creamline.
Creamline again made sure to have the lead in the final minutes of the second set as Carlos and Rose Vargas had their aces went in. Jema Galanza, who notched 12 points in the game, threw a strong spike point to close the second frame.
In the third set, the Cool Smashers led throughout the frame after getting steady contributions from Galanza and Jeanette Panaga. Creamline posted their biggest lead, 23-14, before sealing their finals ticket.
Ria Meneses led Petro Gazz with nine points as their ace players Pablo and Gretchel Soltones struggled at a wrong time where they are fighting for elimination.
The Cool Smashers previously won the 2018 and 2019 Open Conference crowns, when PVL was still an amateur league.
Creamline will wait for the winner of the Choco Mucho-Chery Tiggo Game 3 semifinals match on Tuesday. The first game of the 2021 PVL Open Conference finals is set on Wednesday.
