BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Creamline has set a date with destiny.
This, as the Cool Smashers became the first team to reach the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference after shutting down Petro Gazz in three sets, 27-25, 25-22, 25-16, in Game Two of the semifinals here at the PCV Socio-Civic and Cultural Center, Monday evening.
Needing only a set to secure the finals slot, Creamline burst to an 18-10 advantage in the third set.
Both teams exchanged hits from there before the Cool Smashers extended the lead to nine, 23-14.
An attack error from Meann Mendrez put Creamline at match-point. Tots Carlos ended the game with a kill.
Leading the offensive assault for the Cool Smashers is Tots Carlos — unloading 21 big points to go along with 13 excellent receptions.
Jema Galanza added 12 points laced with 14 excellent digs and nine excellent receptions while Jeanette Panaga and Valdez chipped in 10 and nine, respectively.
Jia Morado steered Creamline with 36 excellent sets along with 12 excellent receptions and four points
“It’s a total team effort for the Cool Smashers mapa sa labas ng court, yung mga second stringers or yung coaches, lahat ng reminders talaga nila on point kaya nagawa and naapply din namin inside the court,” said team captain Valdez.
Creamline figured in a close first two sets. But their clutch plays down the stretch deflated Petro Gazz in the third and deciding set.
On the other hand, Ria Meneses led the way for Petro Gazz with nine points while Ces Molina had eight.
Grethcel Soltones finished with six markers while Myla Pablo was held to just three points.
The Cool Smashers gutted out a tight, five-set 27-29, 25-23, 16-25, 25-17, 16-14 win over the Angels yesterday.
Creamline will face the winner between the Chery Tiggo-Choco Mucho match tomorrow in a best-of-three finals series on Wednesday.
