Even without ace spiker Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado made sure that Creamline emerged unscathed.
Morado orchestrated a balanced offensive thrust for the reigning champion, piling on the woes of Chef’s Classics, 25-11, 25-14, 25-21, to open their second round campaign in the 2019 PVL Open Conference at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The savvy 5-foot-7 playmaker churned out 28 excellent sets for the Cool Smashers, who rained down 41 attacks. She also buoyed 11 players on the scoring column.
“Happy naman kami na yung hard work namin sa training, yung mga patayan namin with coach Tai, nagpe-payoff naman. At we’re happy na lahat kami nakalaro,” said Morado, who served as the interim captain in lieu of the injured Alyssa Valdez. “I think everyone was able to pitch in and contribute sa points din.”
The troika of Fille Cainglet-Cayetano, Jema Galanza, and Michele Gumabao carried the scoring bulk for Creamline. Cainglet-Cayetano hammered down a game-high nine markers, while Galanza and Gumabao supplied eight points each.
Risa Sato chipped in seven markers for the Cool Smashers, who also strung solid contributions from Heather Guino-o and Pau Soriano as the two managed five points apiece.
The Cool Smashers have remained seated atop the perch with a 9-0 card. Meanwhile, the Lady Red Spikers are stuck at the other end of the spectrum with a dismal 0-8 slate.
Nieza Viray — who had a game-high 13 points for San Beda earlier in the day — spearheaded Chef’s Classics in scoring. She had eight points on top of 12 excellent digs.
Maria Bangad chimed in six markers, while setter Rebecca Cuevas tossed 20 excellent sets.
Creamline looks to continue their dominant run when they face the Bali Pure Purest Water Defenders on Wednesday at the same venue. Meanwhile, Chef’s Classics takes on the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Saturday Malolos Sports and Convention Center.
