The Creamline Cool Smashers refused to give the Petro Gazz Angels an inch, completing their PVL Open Conference semis sweep with a decisive four-set win over the Petro Gazz Angels, 21-25, 25-18, 25-21, 25-13, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Creamline had another slow start similar to Game One, and allowed the Angels to gain the early lead. The Cool Smashers tied the match in the second set, before running into another strong Petro Gazz push in the third frame.
Trailing 9-12, the Cool Smashers slowly worked their way back into the match through solid serving and floor defense. From an 18-all tie, Creamline took charge and grabbed seven of the last 10 points.
Creamline dominated the final frame, making a strong statement heading into the Finals.
“We’re really thankful na naka-abot kami sa dulo. It’s really hard to close out a game talaga, we found out,” admitted Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, who tallied 14 points. “It’s just a really good feeling getting back to the Finals. This was one of our goals talaga.”
The Cool Smashers’ offense hummed, as five hitters reached double-digits scoring. Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Pau Soriano all tallied 12 points, while Risa Sato added 11.
Jonah Sabete topped the Angels with 13 markers, while Kai Baloaloa added 11.
Creamline will face the winner of the BanKo Perlas Spikers-Ateneo-Motolite Lady Eagles tiff in Game One on Wednesday.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 14, Galanza 12, Gumabao 12, Soriano 12, Sato 11, Morado 2, Cabanos 0, Cayetano 0, Atienza (L), Gohing (L)
Petro Gazz (1) – Sabete 13, Baloaloa 11, Mercado 9, De Leon 6, Nunag 5, Saet 3, Cheng 1, Mendrez 1, Musa 1, Fajardo 0, Layug 0, Cruz (L)
