Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 6) – The Creamline Cool Smashers ended their 2021 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference elimination round campaign as the top seed after a hard-earned five-set win over Perlas Spikers, 25-12, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, Friday at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Alyssa Valdez had a masterful outing with 24 points, 22 from attacks, as Creamline finished the eliminations with an 8-1 record.
Tots Carlos also had a spectacular game with 20 points, 18 from attacks.
After being dominated by the Tai Bundit-coached Cool Smashers in the first set, the Spikers made sure to maintain a narrow deficit in the second set by capitalizing on net points.
Perlas eventually won the second frame with a couple of net points from Roma Doromal and Jeanette Villareal after being down 21-22.
Perlas carried the momentum in the third set, backed by their screaming bench players, as they led all throughout the frame and forced Creamline to commit errors down the stretch.
Cherry Rose Nunag, who scored most of Perlas’ points in the third set, stole the set advantage for her team with a service ace after Creamline’s Risa Sato hesitated to receive the ball after it touched the net.
With an upset win by Perlas brewing going into the fourth set, Creamline relied on Carlos, Valdez, and Jeanette Panaga to score on attack and net points to force a deciding fifth set. A Panaga first ball hit ended the fourth set.
The Cool Smashers seized control of the lead in the fifth set as they found a scoring option in Jema Galanza, who finished with 13 points.
The Spikers tried to trim their opponents’ lead, 9-12, but two attack errors from Heather Guino-o and a Valdez kill gave Creamline the victory.
Nunag led Perlas in scoring with 17, while Guino-o added 14 points as the Spikers dropped to a 1-7 slate, and are out of Final Four contention. Gel Cayuna was also a bright spot for Perlas with 44 excellent sets.
In the Final Four, Creamline will face the fourth seed which depends on the rankings of succeeding teams Choco Mucho Flying Titans (6-1), Chery Tiggo Crossovers (6-2), and Petro Gazz Angels (6-2). Fifth placer the Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors (5-4) are not eligible for a Final Four seat.
