In spite of all the player absences, the Creamline Cool Smashers cruised into the PVL Open Conference Finals after sweeping the Petro Gazz Angels in the semifinals.
While Creamline started slow in both their semis matches, the Cool Smashers exerted their mastery over the Angels to close the series.
Captain Alyssa Valdez, who tallied 14 points in Game Two, admitted to the difficulty of capturing a series against a desperate foe.
“Mas mahirap siya than getting Game One. Very tense talaga kami kanina, masyadong gigil. We were able to turn it around. We’re really thankful,” said the four-time league MVP.
“Ang sarap lang talaga sa feeling na bumalik sa Finals.”
Creamline now look ahead to the Finals, where they will face either the young Ateneo-Motolite Lady Eagles or the hungry BanKo Perlas Spikers.
Like most agreeable stars, Valdez had no preference of opponents.
“I think sa mga bata like Ateneo, mas advantage nila kasi nasa routine pa sila as student-athletes, kahit pagod sila, naglalaro, nagte-training,” said Valdez of her alma mater squad.
“BanKo has been very close to the Finals for two years. You can tell na they really want it. I think ngayon ‘yung malaking chance nila makapasok,” Valdez remarked about the team composed of her fellow Lady Eagles.
Creamline split their elimination round matches with both squads, prompting the 25-year-old to declare the Finals a wide-open race, regardless of who they face.
“It’s going to come down to who wants it more. Kapag Finals, makikita mo talaga sa hearts and faces ng tao ‘yung desire. Hopefully, we can pull through.”
