Creamline zeroed in on a semifinals spot in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference by securing its eighth win at the expense of NXLED but encountered some anxious moments.
Despite winning in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, on Thursday against the Chameleons, the Cool Smashers needed to show a lot of grit against the newcomers, especially in the first set.
The defending champions fell behind by five late in the opening salvo, 16-21, before figuring things out and escaping with a 25-23 win.
Although glad to remain undefeated and on top of the 12-team standings, team captain Alyssa Valdez admitted that there are still issues to fix.
“Well, we’re very happy and grateful for the win, talaga, kasi I mean lahat ng teams aiming for that spot in the semifinals. A win is a win for us today,” said Valdez, who contributed seven points in two sets of play.
“It’s just that marami ring lapses, and we have to work harder in our training in the next few days,” she continued.
Jema Galanza, who dazzled with her all-around performance of 14 points, nine excellent receptions, and eight digs, meanwhile, praised the team’s resolve against an inspired NXLED squad.
The Cool Smashers also weathered the Chameleons’ run in the third, surviving with timely hits from Michele Gumabao, Tots Carlos, and Galanza’s back-to-back aces to seal the win in 85 minutes.
“Kahit may pagkukulang, nakita naman din talaga yung kung gaano rin ka-solid yung team. Kasi talagang tyinaga namin lalo na yung first set kasi nakalayo talaga sila pero dun din kami nasubok,” said the 5-foot-7 open hitter out of Adamson University.
No complacency of any form will be allowed in their next game as they will be up against a streaking Chery Tiggo squad, which has proven its caliber against top teams like Cignal, Petro Gazz, and PLDT.
The players know who they will face, and they’re ready to work harder in training ahead of their Tuesday clash.
“‘Di pwedeng mag-relax, magfo-focus kami sa training, and yun nga, yung mga pagkukulang ngayong game kailangan maitama namin next game kasi hindi sila basta-basta,” said Galanza.
“Interesting game on Tuesday, but we’re gonna go back, do our job, work ulit, and talagang pagaaralan talaga namin sila in terms of digging din and mga strategies din na si coach yung magiimplement sa team namin,” added Valdez.
