Creamline is now just one win away from capturing the elusive Reinforced Conference crown once again.
Battered but resilient, the Cool Smashers demonstrated their championship composure as they rallied from a 0-2 deficit to stun the Cignal HD Spikers in a thrilling five-set match, 20-25, 22-25, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, on Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
American reinforcement Erica Staunton delivered an electrifying performance, scoring a game-high 38 points, including 36 from attacks. She also had an ace and a block after nearly three hours of intense action.
However, Staunton was not alone in her heroics.
(C) PVL Images
Bernadeth Pons provided an all-around performance with 28 attack points, 24 excellent receptions, and 17 excellent digs for Creamline.
“Total team effort ‘yung nangyari. Kahit 38 points si Erica [Staunton], ‘yung contribution ng team namin is solid,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“So, enjoy ng konti. Isang game pa, doon kami magfo-focus.”
Pons added, “Unang una sobrang saya kasi na-survive namin ‘tong game na ‘to. Sobrang team effort din talaga. Ayaw din talaga bumigay lahat kahit last one na lang ‘yung Cignal, naka-focus pa rin kami sa every point. ‘Di kami nag-give up talaga. And yes, God is good.”
With the match tied at 9-all in the decisive fifth set, Michele Gumabao and Staunton teamed up to secure a crucial 3-0 run, giving the Cool Smashers a narrow 12-9 lead.
Despite Ces Molina and Staunton exchanging powerful hits, MJ Perez managed to cut the lead to one, 12-13. Staunton then delivered a combination hit to put Creamline at match point.
Although Jackie Acuna saved one point for Cignal with a quick attack, Pons sealed the victory with a decisive play, propelling the Cool Smashers to their first Reinforced Finals appearance in nearly five years.
“Lagi kong sinasabi sa team na ‘wag intindihin ‘yung set, ‘yung kada situation na point ‘yung mag-focus kami. May tiwala talaga ako sa team namin na makakabalik, pero sana ‘wag na maulit [‘yung ganun]. It’s a team effort talaga, ‘yung situation, ‘yun ang magaling ang Creamline eh,” said Meneses.
After falling in the first two sets, Creamline rebounded with a commanding third set, finishing with a scorching 8-2 run – including back-to-back aces from Kyle Negrito, which reignited their championship bid.
In the fourth set, the Cool Smashers overcame a 21-24 deficit with a 6-1 run, largely driven by Staunton, who contributed four points during the stretch.
Gumabao added 10 markers, while Jeanette Panaga chipped in with eight points.
Negrito orchestrated the offense with 25 excellent sets, and Kyla Atienza provided solid defense with 13 digs.
Creamline will vie for another trophy when they face the unbeaten Akari in the knockout final on Monday at 6:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
(C) PVL Images
For Cignal, MJ Perez led with 32 points, including 27 attacks and five blocks, along with 18 excellent receptions and 11 excellent digs.
Molina added 15 points, while Acuna contributed 12 markers.
