The Creamline Cool Smashers let the opening frame slip, but regained form to blast the Petro Gazz Angels, 26-28, 25-15, 25-13, 25-16, in Game One of the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Creamline saw a 23-20 lead crumble due to their errors in the opening frame. Following the disastrous start, the Cool Smashers regained composure to throttle the Angels in the next three sets.
“We just stayed composed lang. We were making errors in the first set na were pretty uncharacteristic for us,” said Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez who provided 18 points. “We really had to regain focus. It was all about mindset lang din.”
Jema Galanza celebrated her 22nd birthday by leading Creamline with 24 points and 18 excellent receptions. Michele Gumabao added 12 markers.
Jessey De Leon was the lone Angel in double-digits with 11 points, while Cherry Nunag and Jonah Sabete managed eight points apiece.
The Cool Smashers can clinch a second straight Finals appearance on Saturday at the same venue.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Galanza 24, Valdez 18, Gumabao 12, Sato 9, Soriano 9, Morado 3, Cabanos 0, Cayetano 0, Atienza (L), Gohing (L)
Petro Gazz (1) – De Leon 11, Nunag 8, Sabete 8, Mercado 6, Mendrez 4, Cheng 1, Saet 1, Fajardo 0, Layug 0, Cruz (L), Enclona (L)
