SANTA ROSA, LAGUNA — Just two days after ruling the Reinforced Conference, Creamline returned to the floor and dominated Est Cola, 25-13, 25-12, 25-15, for a strong start in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League Invitationals on Friday afternoon at the Sta. Rosa Sports Complex here.
The Cool Smashers opened the match scorching hot as Reinforced MVP Bernadeth Pons, Michele Gumabao, and American import Erica Staunton led them to a 17-10 advantage in the first set.
And that barrage set the tone for the entire game.
“Siyempre, masaya ako kahit na hindi kami nakapag-training kahapon, maganda pa rin ‘yung nilaro namin. Pero sure ako may training kami tomorrow,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
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Gumabao led the way for the Cool Smashers with 14 points on 12 attacks, one block, and one ace, along with eight excellent digs.
The all-around Pons posted 10 points, eight digs, and seven receptions, while Staunton and Bea De Leon added eight and seven points, respectively.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated the win with 15 excellent sets and contributed four points, including two aces.
“Masaya kami na nakuha namin yung Reinforced pero yun nga, tapos na yun. Bagong conference, so bagong mindset,” said Negrito, as Creamline shoots for their 10th title in the league organized by Sports Vision.
The Cool Smashers, now 1-0, will turn their attention to the Kurashiki Ablaze, who defeated them in the 2023 Invitationals Finals.
They are set for a showdown on Sunday, 6:00 PM, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
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Warisara Seetaloed paced Est Cola with seven points and 14 excellent receptions. Kwannaphat Nuawan and Natthawan Phattaisong contributed six and five points, respectively.
The Thais, composed of a mix of the country’s U-18 and U-20 national teams, dropped to 0-2.
Est Cola will aim to enter the win column on Sunday against Cignal at 4:00 PM.
