Creamline propelled its title-retention bid to a higher gear as it picked up where it left off in Game One, dousing the fire out of Motolite, 25-18, 25-15, 25-8, and booked a return trip to the PVL Open Conference Finals, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
“Honestly for the first time, we’re complete as a team. We’re just happy being all together and hopefully mas magkaroon pa kami ng connection sa darating na Finals,” Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez said.
Fresh from a four-set affair less than a day ago, the Cool Smashers made sure not to allow Motolite to pick up steam and force a do-or-die Game Three. They flaunted their offensive brilliance all game long and even belted the opposition with a 23-7 whipping in the decisive third frame as Valdez and Michele Gumabao dealt the lethal blows.
Valdez, who produced a game-high 20 points in the series opener, top-billed once more. She finished with 15 markers built on 10 attacks, three service aces and a pair of kill blocks.
Gumabao and Celine Domingo each supplied 12 points. Domingo — who was also a positive factor in Game One with an 11-marker outing — accounted for four service aces and a block to contribute 12 points as well.
Top MVP candidate Jema Galanza, meanwhile, scattered eight markers, eight excellent receptions, and 11 excellent digs. Creamline playmaker Jia Morado delivered 21 excellent sets, as defensive specialist Kyla Atienza tallied 19 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Creamline stayed unbeaten, extending its winning streak to 18 matches en route to its fourth straight appearance in the biggest stage of the tournament.
Motolite bowed down from championship contention as no player in red and white graced twin-digit territory.
Myla Pablo and Bern Flora topped Motolite with six points apiece, as Isa Molde and Aie Gannaban managed five markers apiece. Tots Carlos did not play in the match due to a strained back.
The Cool Smashers now set their sights on the Petro Gazz Angels, who thwarted their three-peat hopes during the Reinforced Conference. The Finals rematch is slated on November 6, Wednesday at the same venue.
