The Creamline Cool Smashers bounced back from a disheartening opening day loss, claiming their first win of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference in convincing fashion, 25-23, 25-16, 25-22, against the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers still looked shaky at different points of the match, but ace hitter Alyssa Valdez saved their momentum with her clutch scoring.
In the first set, the Cool Smashers bucked a 9-15 deficit to escape with a narrow win. After dominating the second set, the Cool Smashers again looked in trouble after the Lady Jet Spikers took a late 19-17 lead in the third frame. However, Air Force collapsed, surrendering four straight miscues and pushing Creamline to a 23-20 lead. Valdez put the finishing touches on the match, scoring to put her squad at set point, setting up Iari Yongco’s attack error.
“Mas maganda ‘yung service receive naman ngayon. Kumpara sa last game, mas maganda ang bigay ng bola namin ngayon kesa dati,” said Creamline assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Hindi ko pa naman masyadong kabisado ‘yung team. Pero kita naman na sa team nandoon na ‘yung kagustuhan manalo. Kailangan lang ng chemistry pa. Sana makalaro na ‘yung imports sa next game,” the youthful mentor added.
Three-time league MVP Valdez tallied a game-high 21 points off 18 attacks and three aces, while veteran Ivy Remulla added 10 points, which includes four crucial aces.
The Cool Smashers evened their record at 1-1. They take on the red-hot Bali Pure (2-0) on Saturday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Middle hitter Jocemer Tapic led Air Force with 11 points, while Mary Ann Pantino managed nine points.
Air Force drop to 1-2 and take on the defending champs Pocari Sweat (0-1) also on Saturday.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 21, Remilla 10, Bravo 6, Racracquin 4, Soriano 4, Cabanos 2, Suyat 1, Ibisa (L)
Bali Pure (0) – Tapic 11, Pantino 9, Antipuesto 8, Cases 6, Semana 4, Yongco 3, Legaspi 0, Balmaceda (L), Abanto (L)
