Creamline lost its early grip on the lead but recovered just in time to outlast Cignal in five sets, 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9, securing its seventh consecutive victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers bounced back after narrow defeats in the third and fourth sets, displaying composure under pressure in the decider to remain unbeaten and improve to a flawless 7-0 record.
Ahead by just two points in the fifth, Kyle Negrito, Jeanette Panaga, and Jema Galanza combined for a crucial 4-0 run, extending Creamline’s lead from 7-5 to 11-5.
However, the HD Spikers, led by Jackie Acuña, responded with a 4-1 spurt to cut the deficit to three. Despite their late push, it wasn’t enough as Bernadeth Pons delivered the finishing touches, sealing the hard-fought win after nearly three hours of action.
“Syempre masaya kasi naka-recover kami sa third and fourth sets. Syempre ‘yung winning (mentality) ng Cignal talagang nandoon eh. Mahirap din talaga silang kalaban, since dati pa naman,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Si Coach Shaq (delos Santos) talagang ‘di basta-basta magpapatalo kahit sinong player niya, so talagang nagsipag sila. Siguro ‘yung break napunta sa amin, siguro nakatulong din na sanay na ‘yung Creamline sa mga ganung laban, so malaking advantage sa amin. Happy ako na nakuha namin ‘yung panalo,” he added.
(C) PVL Images
Pons led the charge for Creamline with a game-high 27 points, tallying 24 attacks, two aces, and one block, while also contributing 14 excellent digs.
Tots Carlos and Bea De Leon provided ample support with 15 and 12 points, respectively. Galanza delivered an all-around performance with nine points, 14 excellent receptions, and 12 excellent digs.
Negrito orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets while chipping in six points. Kyla Atienza anchored the floor defense with 17 excellent receptions, despite sharing libero duties with rookie Alleiah Torres.
After a dominant first-set win, Creamline nearly faltered in the second frame as back-to-back errors from Pons allowed Cignal to snatch a 24-23 lead.
Ishie Lalongisip then committed an attack error, forcing a deuce. In the next play, Galanza capitalized on an overreceive to push Creamline to set point.
A lengthy pause followed after Cignal requested a mid-rally review on Galanza’s attack. However, with no challenges remaining, first referee Mark Anthony Santos denied the HD Spikers’ challenge but opted for a referee’s challenge to clear any doubt.
After deliberation, officials awarded the point to Creamline as a consequence of Cignal’s mid-rally challenge attempt, securing the crucial second set and a commanding 2-0 advantage.
The HD Spikers fought back, eking out tight wins in the third and fourth sets to force a deciding frame.
Creamline will look to extend its unbeaten run against Chery Tiggo on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Cignal, which dropped to 5-3, leaned on Vanie Gandler and rookie Lalongisip to mount a comeback from a 0-2 deficit before ultimately falling short.
Gandler led Cignal with 21 points, all from attacks, along with 12 excellent receptions. Lalongisip had her best PVL game yet, scoring 19 points. Acuña and Roselyn Doria-Aquino added 16 and 11 markers, respectively.
Gel Cayuna orchestrated Cignal’s offense with 25 excellent sets and four points, while Dawn Catindig registered 25 excellent digs.
Cignal aims to bounce back against Capital1 on Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
