With the loss of their star hitter looming, the Creamline Cool Smashers earned a decisive win against defending champions Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors, 25-15, 17-25, 25-19, 25-19, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference elimination round at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers rolled early in the match, dumping Pocari Sweat into a 20-12 hole in the first set and never looking back. The Lady Warriors rallied in the second set, staving off a Creamline fight and breaking away from a 12-all tie to take a 16-12 lead. Clutch hits from Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag powered the Lady Warriors late.
Reaping off momentum from an early run, the Cool Smashers pounced in the pivotal third set. Struggling on reception, the Lady Warriors watched as Creamline turned their free balls into a 20-14 advantage and never looked back.
The Lady Warriors were on pace to force a fifth set, leading 14-11, in the fourth set. From there, the Pocari Sweat offense devolved into a Myla Pablo show. Pocari Sweat’s ace wore down late, and opened the gates for an easy win for Creamline, who took 14 of the last 19 points for the win.
“We really wanted the win kasi nga every win is important especially with Alyssa (Valdez) training with the National Team in Japan. She might miss two to three games so it’s important for us to gain momentum,” said Creamline assistant coach Oliver Almadro.
Billed as a showdown of stars, Alyssa Valdez outshone Myla Pablo on the stats sheet, scoring 30 points to Pablo’s 26.
Valdez also got better offensive help, with Pau Soriano and Rose Vargas pitching in 15 and 10 points apiece.
Jeanette Panaga was Pocari Sweat’s only other double-digit scorer, managing 11 points.
Creamline go top of the standings with a 4-0 card, while Pocari Sweat fall to second at 3-1.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 30, Soriano 15, Vargas 10, Remulla 7, Racraquin 5, Mandapat 2, Morado 2, Nunag (L)
Pocari Sweat (1) – Pablo 26, Panaga 11, Kasilag 9, Sy 3, Doromal 1, Nepomuceno 1, Dadang 0, De Leon 0, Serafica 0, Paran 0, Gohing (L)
