The Creamline Cool Smashers became the first team to break into the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals after sweeping the Bali Pure-National University Water Defenders, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
Creamline came back from an early 12-15 deficit, leaning on Alyssa Valdez to score crucial points. Valdez delivered back-to-back hits to give Creamline a 24-21 lead, setting up Kuttika Kaewpin’s set-clinching attack.
The second frame was close until Creamline pounced on Bali Pure late. The Cool Smashers surged from a 20-18 lead, taking the next five points to close the set.
Bali Pure-NU continued to struggle in the third set, giving up errors that halted any momentum they gained and allowed the Cool Smashers to cruise.
“Same thing, we took it one point at a time and coach Tai (Bundit) prepared us well sa mga game viewing and everything na pwedeng makahelp sa amin in little ways. I think maganda ang distribution in today’s game, maganda ang jelling of the team and we worked as a team today,” said Valdez, who dished out 15 points off 11 attacks and four aces.
Kuttika Kaewpin added 11 markers, 11 digs, and seven receptions, while middle blocker Risa Sato managed nine points to pace Creamline.
Bali Pure import Janisa Johnson was held to 13 points on 9-for-33 attacking. Middle blocker Alexis Matthews tallied 10 points.
Creamline (5-1) take on the Iriga-Navy Lady Oragons (1-4) to close the elimination round on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. Bali Pure-NU (3-3) face the PayMaya High Flyers (3-2), also on Wednesday.
The Scores
Creamline (3) – Valdez 15, Kaewpin 11, Sato 9, Asceric 7, Gumabao 6, Morado 2, Galanza 0, Soriano 0, Atienza (L), Gohing (L)
Bali Pure-NU (0) – Johnson 13, Matthews 10, Nisperos 7, Solomon 7, Doria 6, Belen 1, Caganda 0, Lacsina 0, Robles 0, Nierva (L)
