The Creamline Cool Smashers remain in the hunt for the top seed in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference semis after taking down the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-11, 25-13, 25-23, at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Creamline – who lost to Petro Gazz on opening day – got off to a dominant start, claiming double-digits early in each of the first two sets.
Petro Gazz battled in the third set, claiming a 16-14 lead thanks to solid play at the net from middle blocker Cherry Nunag. Opposite hitter Michele Gumabao then led a run that gave Creamline a 22-20 lead, before back-to-back Creamline attack errors allowed Petro Gazz to equalize at 22. But Petro Gazz spelled their own doom, giving away three errors to close the match.
Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez emphasized her team’s need to stay consistent, despite already having secured a semis seat.
“For us, siguro we just want to keep improving pa every game and working hard for each win. We know naman na each game, we need to keep bringing our best,” said Valdez who poured in 11 points. “That’s still going to be the goal heading into our last game para maprepare kami sa semis na din.”
Middle blocker Risa Sato also had 11 markers, while Gumabao finished with 10.
Nunag toppped the Angels with 10 markers. Jonah Sabete dropped six markers.
Petro Gazz closed their elimination round campaign with a 9-5 record.
Creamline (10-3) will end the second round on Saturday against the Adamson-Akari Lady Falcons (0-13).
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Sato 11, Valdez 11, Gumabao 10, Galanza 8, Soriano 4, Cayetano 2, Morado 1, Atienza (L), Gohing (L)
Petro Gazz (0) – Nunag 10, Sabete 6, Layug 4, Musa 4, De Leon 3, Mendrez 3, Baloaloa 2, Cheng 1, Fajardo 1, Cruz (L), Enclona (L)
