The Creamline Cool Smashers’ off-season maneuvers paid off as they mustered an opening day conquest of the Akari-Adamson University Lady Falcons, 25-17, 18-25, 25-15, 25-22, in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers added key players such as setter Jia Morado, wingers Rose Vargas and Rizza Mandapat, and local legend Mary Jean Balse-Pabayo.
Four-time PVL MVP Alyssa Valdez and Rose Vargas carried the offense with 18 points apiece, while Morado contributed six points and 36 excellent sets.
“Nakakatuwa lang na kahit we’re coming from different places, we’re getting a chance to play together. Iba ‘yung nadadala nilang attitude and chemistry. You really learn a lot from them. Iba ‘yung may veterans and mga bago. It’s a good mix for the team,” said Valdez.
After tailing off in the second set, the Cool Smashers picked up the pace in the third and smashed the Lady Falcons with a 16-8 start. Akari-Adamson, however, stuck with their more experienced foes in the fourth frame, coming as close as one point, 21-20, thanks to a Jema Galanza floater.
From there, Valdez took charge and boosted the Cool Smashers to a 24-22 lead. A May Roque mis-hit gave the match to Creamline.
The Cool Smashers will face last conference’s silver medalists Bali Pure Water Defenders (0-0) on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Former Cool Smasher Jema Galanza towed the Lady Falcons with 14 points.
Akari (0-1) take on the Perlas-BanKo Spikers (0-0) next Sunday.
The Scores:
Creamline (3) – Valdez 18, Vargas 18, Soriano 11, Morado 6, Mandapat 5, Remulla 3, Racraquin 1, Balse 0, Bravo 0, Nunag (L)
Akari-Adamson (1) – Galanza 14, Cruz 9, Soyud 9, Roque 7, Perez 6, Romero 3, Pinar 1, Flora 0, Uy 0, Ponce (L)
