The Creamline Cool Smashers kept their energy despite a disappointing semis exit, besting the Power Smashers in straight sets, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, and inching closer to third place in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.
Coming off a surprising straight-sets defeat to the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders in Game Three of the semis, the Cool Smashers displayed more fire in their play against the Power Smashers, who were also swept in the pivotal tiff of their semis series against Pocari Sweat.
Creamline attacked the Power Smashers on all fronts, gaining big leads in each set. The Cool Smashers pulled away, 20-15, in the first set, then used a 5-0 run to gain a similar 20-15 lead in the second frame. By the third set, the Cool Smashers had all the momentum and locked down the Power Smashers’ offense easily en route to the win.
“They played inspired and happy today. Mataas ‘yung intensity ng lahat. Ganoon talaga; if it’s a team effort, mahirap talunin ang Creamline,” said Cool Smashers assistant coach Oliver Almadro.
Three-time league MVP Alyssa Valdez led the Cool Smashers with 21 points, while imports Kuttika Kaewpin and Laura Shaudt added 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Thai reinforcement Kannika Thipachot powered the Power Smashers with 14 points, while University of Santo Tomas standout Dimdim Pacres managed nine markers.
With a win on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena, the Cool Smashers can finish the tournament in third place.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 21, Kaewpin 14, Schaudt 11, Soriano 7, Galanza 4, Cabanos 1, Palad 0, Remulla 0, Racraquin (L)
Power Smashers (0) – Thipachot 14, Pacres 9, Prado 6, Amporn 5, Bicar 3, Aroch 0, Guillema 0, Marzan 0, Galang (L)
