Creamline recovered from a close loss in the first set, denying Farm Fresh in a thrilling four-set encounter, 24-26, 25-23, 25-21, 25-16, for a bounce-back victory in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Coming off a heartbreaking five-set opening day loss to PLDT last Tuesday, the battle-tested Cool Smashers relied on their championship experience to fend off the hard-fighting Foxies, improving to 1-1 in Pool A.
“Syempre masaya kami kasi first victory namin. Hopefully, magsunod-sunod na yung panalo namin and yung momentum namin tumaas. Maraming nawala, pero malakas pa naman yung team namin,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, who is celebrating his birthday today.
(C) PVL Images
After dropping the extended opener, the Rebisco-backed squad used an 8-2 finishing kick in the second set to overcome a 17-21 disadvantage and even the series.
The reigning All-Filipino Conference champion then leaned on American reinforcement Erica Staunton and Michele Gumabao, who combined for a searing 6-0 run, allowing them to recover from a late 19-21 disadvantage and take a 2-1 set lead.
From there, Creamline ran away in the fourth set, leading by as many as 12 points, 19-7, after a Risa Sato block, to finish off the deflated Farm Fresh.
“Kailangan lang namin manalo ng una para magkasunod-sunod siguro. Tatrabahuin namin mabuti yung mga next game,” said Meneses.
Staunton scored 26 points on 23 attacks and three blocks, along with 14 excellent receptions, while Gumabao added 21 points on 19 attacks, one ace, and one block after almost two hours of action.
Jeanette Panaga contributed 12 points, while Bernadeth Pons chipped in nine markers, 19 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs in the victory.
Kyle Negrito tossed 20 excellent sets and added four points, while Kyla Atienza recorded 15 excellent digs for the Cool Smashers.
Creamline will look to build on this win in their match against Nxled on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Yeny Murillo, who was held to just 10 points in their debut loss to Chery Tiggo, poured in 26 points on 25 attacks and 17 excellent receptions for the Foxies, who dropped to 0-2 in the standings.
Caitlyn Viray had an all-around performance with 12 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs, while Trisha Tubu finished with 12 markers as well in the loss.
Farm Fresh will look to enter the win column against PLDT also on Thursday at 1:00 p.m.
