Sustaining their undefeated run through the 2019 PVL Open Conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers dropped the Air Force Lady Jet Spikers with a straight-set hammer, 25-15, 25-16, 25-18, to secure at least a playoff for a semifinals berth, Sunday at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The reigning champions came out firing in all of the sets. They mounted sizable leads to ground the Lady Jet Spikers, who saw their five-game winning streak snapped.
Jema Galanza shone the brightest for Creamline.
The former Adamson standout detonated 21 points built on 18 attacks and three service aces. She also laced her stellar offensive outing with 18 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions, to post a triple-double that helped the Cool Smashers stretch their unbeaten streak to 11.
“It all boils down to preparation. Hindi naman kasi kami yung type na tumitingin sa standing. So each and every game, kung sino man yung katapat namin, same galaw, same preparation, and same effort from our end,” said Michele Gumabao, who also carried the scoring cudgels in the rousing sweep.
Gumabao finished with 15 markers from 13 hits and a pair of aces for the Cool Smashers, who had more than enough firepower to ease the returning Alyssa Valdez back into game shape.
Valdez returned to action following a right ankle injury. She played sparingly for the Tai Bundit-mentored squad, coming in the first and second sets but winding up scoreless.
Jia Morado also did not play in the match. The main playmaker of Creamline was recovering from a tooth extraction procedure, leaving her no choice but to sit out in the match.
In her stead, Kyle Negrito shouldered the setting responsibility. She tossed 24 excellent sets on top of five points.
Meanwhile, Jozza Mae Cabalsa spearheaded Air Force in scoring with 10, as the Lady Jet Spikers fell to 5-6.
Hard-hitting Dell Palomata was limited to just nine markers. Air Force setter Wendy Semana tossed 12 excellent sets.
Creamline will try to keep their record pristine when they face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in a rematch of sister teams on Saturday, October 5, in Iloilo City. Air Force, on the other hand, look to get back on track against the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders on Sunday, October 6.
