Creamline hands Motolite sour start, zooms to 2-0

Fresh off a rousing sweep of the returning Air Force last Sunday, the Creamline Cool Smashers dealt another straight-set thumping, this time against the Motolite Power Builders, 25-14, 25-15, 25-14, in the Premier Volleyball League Season 3 Open Conference, Wednesday.

“After that last game, we had a good talk with coach Tai talaga. He pointed out all the things na kailangan namin i-improve, hindi lang the skills,” said Creamline skipper Alyssa Valdez, who had a game-high 15 points off 12 attacks and three aces.

“It’s all about preparation for us. And yun naman yung talagang puhunan namin each and every game,” added Michele Gumabao, who supplied nine markers in the victory that buoyed her Creamline to a 2-0 start.

After securing the first and second sets in convincing fashion, the defending champions rode their searing momentum in the third frame. Behind their battle-tested core, the Cool Smashers sprinted to a double-digit gap, 20-10, and never looked back.

Jema Galanza was also instrumental, as she dispersed a triple-double outing. She tallied 12 points – off 10 attacks and two blocks – 15 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions.

Jia Morado had another stellar performance, dishing out 21 excellent sets to help her team generate 40 attacks. She also outplayed the returning Iris Tolenada, who tossed two of Motolite’s dismal four excellent sets.

On the other hand, Motolite captain Myla Pablo – who was riddled with a nagging back injury last conference – was the sole twin-digit scorer for her team. She had 11 points off 10 attacks and one ace.

Both squads will next face the newly-assembled Chef’s Classic at the FilOil Arena. Motolite will face them first on Saturday; meanwhile, Creamline will take on the neophytes a day later on Sunday evening.