In the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Holy Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, defending champion Creamline stunned Cignal HD with composure.
Down by two sets, the Cool Smashers leaned on Tots Carlos’ offensive prowess to nab a 26-28, 22-25, 25-22, 25-21, 16-14 triumph against the HD Spikers.
Carlos was unstoppable, scoring a league-best among locals 38 points built on 35 attacks and three blocks — including four of Creamline’s last five points in the final set.
It was also the four-time champion’s career high.
Jema Galanza displayed her complete game after protecting the Creamline side of the taraflex with a triple-double of 30 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions to go along with 14 points.
Bernadeth Pons came off the bench in the third set to give the Cool Smashers a lift and finished with 13 points.
Kyla Atienza also added 28 for 100 excellent digs for the pink jerseys. Denden Lazaro-Revilla tallied 14 excellent receptions when the dust settled.
Kyle Negrito was in the driver’s seat, steering the wheel with 35 excellent sets.
The HD Spikers seemed poised to take the match after reaching a pivotal 14-11 cushion in Set 5, courtesy of former league MVP Ces Molina’s hit. But Carlos was there to answer with her clutch hits — including a gutsy drop ball that forced a 14-all deadlock.
Another Carlos kill through the block propelled Creamline to match point, and then Pangs Panagia turned back a Molina hit to end the two-hour, 57-minute ballgame.
“Isa lang naman lagi ‘yung sinasabi ko sa kanila diyan eh, paulit-ulit lang naman ‘yung volleyball so kung magawa mo ‘yung lagi mong ineensayo, makakahabol at makakahabol ka,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses during the postgame press conference.
Cignal, meanwhile, had a balanced attack from Jovelyn Gonzaga (22 points), Ces Molina (19 points), Rose Doria (19 points), and Riri Meneses in the offensive department.
But they got only eight points from Vanie Gandler, who suffered cramps during the match.
Dawn Macandili-Catindig (33 excellent digs) and Gel Cayuna (26 excellent sets) were also there for Cignal in the non-scoring aspect.
The Cool Smashers are now at 6-1, while the HD Spikers dropped to a 4-2 slate.
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