Picking up right where they left off in their last match, the Creamline Cool Smashers dissected the Bali Pure Water Defenders attack and bagged a four-set win, 25-20, 28-30, 25-19, 31-29, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers were in-form right from the first point, with Alyssa Valdez leading their offensive charge. A two-smash burst from Valdez sealed the first set, then the Batangas native gave Creamline a 24-20 edge in the second frame. Poor reception, however, cost Creamline their lead and opened the door for a Water Defenders comeback. Slipping into a deuce, the Cool Smashers surrendered late chance balls and gave Bali Pure the second set.
An injury to star hitter Grethcel Soltones hampered Bali Pure in the third set, leading to an epic fourth set duel. The plucky Water Defenders refused to let the Cool Smashers go up by a big margin, leading to another prolonged deuce. The Water Defenders were in sniffing distance of a decider, leading 29-28, before Creamline rallied back. A Soltones hit flew out of the court, leading to a Valdez ace. Ivy Remulla then shut the door on Bali Pure with a block on Jorelle Singh.
“Bali Pure fought really hard. It came down to the breaks of the game talaga,” said Valdez who powered in 37 points off 34 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, and 17 digs. 37 is her second highest scoring output, behind her 39-point output against Laoag last year.
The four-time PVL MVP added that her performance came off great support from her teammates. “I give credit talaga to my teammates especially to Jia (Morado). Kapag may confidence sayo ‘yung setter mo, you can’t help but to do your best.”
Rose Vargas contributed 19 points, while veteran Pau Soriano added 14 for the Cool Smashers, who elevated their record to 2-0.
Creamline take on the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers (0-1) on Sunday.
Soltones managed 18 points for Bali Pure, while Risa Sato added 14.
The Water Defenders (1-1) will try to recover against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (0-1) on Saturday.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 37, Vargas 19, Soriano 14, Mandapat 8, Remulla 8, Morado 0, Nunag (L)
Bali Pure (1) – Soltones 18, Sato 14, Urdas 12, Nabor 8, Malabanan 6, Singh 4, Oliveros 3, Mendiola 1, Nuval 0, Eroa (L), Pantone (L)
