Creamline edged Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20, in an intense four-set battle to claim a share of the top spot in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the brink of securing their third straight sweep to open the tournament, the Cool Smashers stumbled in a dramatic third set before recovering in the fourth to force a tie with Cignal at the top of the standings, both with identical 3-0 records.
“Pero syempre yung Choco [Mucho] talaga, di talaga magpapatalo talaga basta-basta. Alam namin babalik sila sa game so sabi ko lang naman sa mga players is mag-enjoy lang tayo, mag-perform ng maayos para makuha natin yung panalo,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Wag tayo ma-pressure. Yun lang naman, nag-respond naman yung mga [players], kasi maraming [game] rallies so talagang hindi lang balibol lang yung labanan, talaga endurance din eh. So, yun buti nakuha namin yung panalo,” he added.
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Trailing early in the fourth set, the Cool Smashers surged late behind Jema Galanza and Bea De Leon, orchestrating a decisive 5-1 run to break a 16-all deadlock and take a 20-17 lead.
Choco Mucho attempted a comeback behind Cherry Nunag and Royse Tubino, cutting the deficit to 21-19, but crucial plays by Michele Gumabao and Bernadeth Pons, along with errors from Des Cheng and Tubino, allowed Creamline to close the match with a 4-1 finishing run.
Galanza starred with an all-around performance, scoring a game-high 24 points on 22 attacks, one ace, and one block. She also anchored Creamline’s floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and nine digs.
Gumabao provided solid support with 22 points on 19 attacks and three blocks, while Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 21 excellent sets and added three points.
De Leon chipped in 10 points, while Alyssa Valdez and Jeanette Panaga contributed eight markers each.
The Cool Smashers played without Tots Carlos, who was sidelined due to injury management after appearing in their last game against Akari in Candon.
Creamline aims to extend its unbeaten run to four games against ZUS Coffee on December 12 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
On the other hand, the Flying Titans absorbed their second straight loss, dropping to 2-3 in the standings.
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Sisi Rondina paced Choco Mucho with 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, adding 11 excellent receptions in the losing effort.
Nunag added 10 points, while Kat Tolentino and Tubino contributed eight each.
Choco Mucho will look to end its skid against Farm Fresh, also on December 12.
