Creamline dug deep to overcome a resurgent ZUS Coffee, eking out a grueling 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13 victory in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Jema Galanza emerged as the hero in the fifth set, delivering crucial plays under pressure.
With ZUS Coffee ahead 12-11, Galanza unleashed a spike that grazed her defender’s fingers to tie the score. Thunderbelle Michelle Gamit then committed a costly attack error, giving Creamline the lead.
After Chai Troncoso tied it once more with a through-the-block hit, Galanza responded with a sharp crosscourt kill to set up match point.
Gamit’s final attack sailed out of bounds, sealing the Cool Smashers’ victory in an intense two-hour, 27-minute battle.
“It’s not something we’re proud of kasi it extended into five sets,” admitted Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, who posted 17 points built on 16 attacks. “Knowing ZUS Coffee, they brought their A-game today. They played so well.
“We’re just very happy and blessed nanalo kami. It’s anybody’s game, especially that fifth set, but luckily we got it.”
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Despite the grueling encounter, Creamline remained unscathed at 4-0, tying the Cignal HD Spikers atop the 12-team standings as the league heads into a one-month holiday break.
The Thunderbelles, meanwhile, showcased their fighting spirit. Trailing 10-22 in the opening set, ZUS Coffee mounted a spirited comeback before falling short, 22-25.
That late surge carried into the second frame, where a service error by Bea de Leon set up Thea Gagate’s decisive block on Galanza to clinch the set, 30-28.
The Cool Smashers bounced back in the third, edging out a 26-24 win behind Kyle Negrito’s service ace and Michele Gumabao’s block on Kate Santiago.
However, the Thunderbelles refused to fold, dominating the fourth set 25-17 to force the first five-setter for the defending champions this conference.
Galanza delivered an all-around performance with 15 points, 12 digs, and 12 receptions.
Bernadeth Pons contributed 17 points and 11 excellent receptions, while Gumabao chipped in 14 points.
The win sent Creamline into the break still undefeated.
(C) PVL Images
For the Thunderbelles, Santiago led the charge with 19 points on 13 spikes, five blocks, and an ace, along with 14 excellent receptions.
Gagate added 15 points, while Troncoso tallied 13.
Gamit and Jovelyn Gonzaga each scored 11 points in the hard-fought loss.
ZUS Coffee dropped to 2-3, tying them with the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at eighth place in the standings.
