By: Ohmer Bautista
Buoyed by a four-game winning surge, the Creamline Cool Smashers orchestrated a drubbing of BanKo Perlas Spikers in straight-sets, 25-12, 25-19, 25-16, in the 2019 PVL Reinforced Conference, Saturday afternoon at the University of San Agustin Gym in Iloilo City.
The Cool Smashers now enjoy a 5-1 card to keep hold of solo second behind the still-spotless Petro Gazz Angels, who boast a 6-0 record.
Moreover, with the win, Creamline has finally exorcised the losing curse that had haunted them in their last two out-of-town encounters against BanKo, which were in Tuguegarao and Cagayan de Oro in the import-flavored conference and Open conference, respectively.
The Cool Smashers controlled the tempo of the match, dominating and securing the first two sets then jumping to a double-digit lead in the third set, 21-10.
While the Perlas Spikers, who bid farewell to Kia Bright and acquired Sudatda Chuewulim, struggled to keep their on-court chemistry in check, Creamline flourished on all fronts, as they secured match point. Risa Sato, who supplied five points in the match, hammered the match-clincher.
Kuttika Kaewpin spearheaded Creamline as she scattered 18 points, nine excellent digs, and seven excellent receptions. Aleoscar Blanco added 11 points spiked by three blocks, while Alyssa Valdez and Michelle Gumabao contributed nine markers each.
BanKo fell to the fifth spot with a 2-5 slate. Newly-acquired Chuewulim was Perlas Spikers’ lone double-digit scorer with 10 points.
Creamline tries to keep their hot streak rolling as they face Motolite on June 19, Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre. BanKo, on the other hand, will have a little over a week of rest before going against Motolite on June 23, Sunday.
