It was not about how they started, but how the Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors finished off Alyssa Valdez and her Creamline Cool Smashers.
The defending champs bucked a disastrous start to earn their third straight Premiere Volleyball League Reinforced Conference win at the struggling Creamline Cool Smashers’ expense, 15-25, 25-18, 26-24, 25-19, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Errors and bad passes marred Pocari Sweat’s opening set, leading to a 5-14 hole they could not dig themselves out of.
“Na-control talaga ng Creamline ‘yung pace. Kinailangan namin ibalik sa side namin ‘yung bilis ng laro through our serves and receives,” said Pocari Sweat head coach Rommel Abella.
Tides shifted in the second set when Jessey De Leon replaced Desiree Dadang in Pocari Sweat’s rotation. The University of Santo Tomas standout provided the net defense and offense that carried Pocari to an equalizer.
Pocari Sweat nearly squandered a 21-18 lead in the third set, as Creamline forced a deuce thanks to hits from Valdez. But as the three-time MVP rotated to the backrow, Creamline’s offense was stymied and made way for Pocari to take the lead. By the fourth set, Valdez and the Cool Smashers had run out of steam and surrendered the win after falling behind, 12-20.
“Lumabas talaga ‘yung team work. ‘Yun naman talaga ang kailangan namin to keep winning kasi we know na we can’t win as individuals lang,” added Abella.
Elaine Kasilag led Pocari Sweat with 14 poinys while Kai Nepomoceno added 12. Pocari’s offense was compounded by Creamline’s whooping 35 errors.
Pocari Sweat finished the first round with a 3-2 record after salvaging three straight wins.
Valdez topped all scorers with 25 points, while Pau Soriano and Colleen Bravo each had 11.
Creamline skidded to a 2-2 slate.
The Scores
Pocari Sweat (3) – Kasilag 14, Nepomuceno 12, Pablo 10, Panaga 9, De Leon 8, Sy 2, Dadang 1, Cayetano 0, Espelita 0, Gohing (L)
Creamline (1) – Valdez 25, Bravo 11, Soriano 11, Racraquin 7, Cabanos 4, Palad 0, Patnongon 0, Ibisa (L)
