Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 6) – The Creamline Cool Smashers are a win away from hoisting the 2022 PVL Open Conference crown, after their Game 1 victory against the gallant Petro Gazz Angels, 25-16, 23-25, 25-12, 32-30, on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos brought out their best game so far after scoring 26 points apiece for the Cool Smashers in the first game of the best-of-three finals series held in front of 14,573 fans.
Jia Morado contributed big for Creamline with 39 excellent sets, a crucial factor why they are now on the cusp of winning the title.
Creamline first showed their hunger for the title in the first set, where a flurry of attacks from all rows gave them the set advantage.
In the second set, the Cool Smashers were on their way to a 2-0 set lead but Petro Gazz managed a late game comeback to steal the set victory.
The Sherwin Meneses-mentored Creamline bounced back from the heartbreaking loss in the second set by orchestrating aggressive set plays to tally a double-digit margin in the third set.
The fourth set was a nip-and-tuck affair, with both squads determined to prevail with their strong fast-ball points and strengthened defensive schemes.
Carlos and Valdez then unleashed their late game exploits, with the former tying the game at 24-all with a terrific ace off a missed reception from the Angels, who remained resilient despite the exit of star spiker Gretchel Soltones late in the fourth set due to an apparent ankle injury.
MJ Phillips and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas matched Creamline’s momentum by scoring block points and hits from the right row to extend the match even further.
But the Cool Smashers finally prevailed, as Valdez and Carlos notched the last points from relentless attacks, as Angels spiker Seth Rodriguez’s final scoring try went far off the mark.
Phillips led Petro Gazz with 13 points, Soltones with 12 markers, and Jonah Sabete with 11 points.
Game 2 of the 2022 PVL Open Conference is scheduled on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
