Pulling 23 points from ace Alyssa Valdez, the Creamline Cool Smashers powered through the Hair Fairy-Philippine Air Force Lady Jet Spikers, 25-19, 25-22, 22-25, 25-12, to remain unbeaten in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers were on pace for a blowout right from the start of the match. They took a seven-point lead, 20-13, in the first set, then shrugged off a late Air Force rally in the second set. Creamline went into the third set with all the momentum.
The Cool Smashers, however, dropped off and allowed Air Force to take a 16-10 advantage and eventually the third set. According to Creamline assistant coach Oliver Almadro, their set loss was caused by lack of intensity.
“Well, ‘yung fourth set, I guess they just started right, and yung intensity, pinataas lang nila. Kasi noong third set, we started right but yung intensity bitin. So we just reminded them na put up the intensity, and start right and end it right. Yun ang naging key ng fourth set,” Almadro said.
The Cool Smashers recovered with a vengeance in the fourth set, racing to a 14-3 lead and never looking back.
“We really have to collect as many wins as we can because we know that Alyssa will be serving the country. She will be out for we don’t know how many days, we don’t know kung ano ang tatamaan na games. But we really have to collect as many wins as we can. Every day and every game is a learning day, learning game sa amin. No matter what, what’s important is yung teamwork nandun, and everybody is enjoying playing with each other,” Almadro closed.
Rose Vargas and Pau Soriano paced the Cool Smashers with 11 and 10 points apiece.
The Cool Smashers head into Saturday’s matchup with a similar 3-0 record as defending champs Pocari Sweat.
Iari Yongco led Air Force with 18 points, while Jocemer Tapic managed nine.
Air Force (1-1) take on the University of the Philippines (0-2) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Scores:
Creamline (3) – Valdez 23, Vargas 11, Soriano 10, Remulla 6, Mandapat 5, Morado 4, Bravo 1, Racraquin 1, Suyat 1, Cabanos 0, Nunag (L).
Air Force (1) – Yongco 18, Tapic 9, Cases 5, Semana 4, Pantino 3, Antipuesto 2, Palomata 2, Cabalsa 1, Balmaceda (L).
