The Creamline Cool Smashers made a statement in Game One of the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals, handling the PayaMaya High Flyers in four sets, 25-22, 20-25, 25-21, 25-19, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Creamline made a balanced offensive effort, quickly building leads in each set and protecting their advantage until the later salvos.
Dragged into a fourth set, the ladies in pink flew off to a 19-15 lead following an ace from Alyssa Valdez. With PayMaya threatening a comeback, Valdez shut the door on the High Flyers, scoring two of Creamline’s last three points.
Three Cool Smashers scored in double-digits, with Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin leading the way with 19 points. Valdez finished with 18 off 15 attacks, two blocks, and an ace, while Laura Schaudt added 13 markers.
“It was really important for us to play with a lot of energy,” said Valdez. “Ang motivation talaga kanina was just to keep going every set. Everyone really stepped up which was important kasi, knowing PayMaya, they aren’t going to give up.”
Tess Rountree topped the High Flyers with 26 points. Grethcel Soltones managed 11 markers, 14 digs, and 20 excellent receptions.
Creamline can clinch their first ever title in Game Two on Wednesday at the same venue.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Kaewpin 19, Valdez 18, Schaudt 13, Gumabao 8, Sato 7, Morado 3, Cabanos 0, Galanza 0, Atienza (L), Gohing (L)
PayMaya (1) – Rountree 26, Soltones 11, Sullivan 9, Malabanan 7, Nabor 2, Sta. Rita 2, Carandag 0, Cayuna 0, Domingo 0, Singh 0, Urdas 0, Eroa (L), Pantone (L)
