BATANGAS – The Creamline Cool Smashers provided team captain Alyssa Valdez with the perfect homecoming at the Batangas City Sports Center here on Saturday night.
The defending champions continued their winning streak by defeating Cignal in straight sets, 25-20, 25-20, 25-16, securing their second consecutive victory in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference.
Valdez, who only played in the second set, contributed three points in her return to Batangas as the Rebisco-backed squad improved their standing to 2-0, creating a three-way tie with Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz at the top spot.
“Sobrang ganda (ng environment) kasi halos di kami magkarinigan sa gitna. Siguro naging advantage namin yung familiarity namin medyo mataas na so napakaganda yung naging game ngayon,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Creamline, led by Jema Galanza, Jeanette Panaga, and Michele Gumabao, used a six-point swing at the start of the third set to establish a 14-7 lead against the HD Spikers.
Cignal was unable to catch up from there as the Cool Smashers extended their lead to eight points, 22-14, before Galanza and Tots Carlos secured the victory with powerful hits.
“I think sobrang maganda yung game namin kasi lahat nag-contribute, lahat naman nag-lead sa laro. So panoorin muna namin ulit pero kanina sobrang ganda ng laro namin knowing Cignal na talagang malakas talaga yung team na yun,” said Meneses.
Gumabao led the reigning champions with 20 significant points in 27 minutes of play.
Carlos added 10 points, along with eight excellent receptions and eight excellent digs in the win, while Panaga contributed seven points, including three attacks, two blocks, and two service aces.
Creamline will face Gerflor on Thursday at 2:00 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
On the other hand, Ces Molina was the lone bright spot for the HD Spikers with 17 points.
The 1-1 Cignal welcomed back Jovelyn Gonzaga, who missed the team’s debut due to her commitment with the Philippine Army. The veteran opposite spiker scored six points off the bench.
The HD Spikers will attempt to bounce back against Choco Mucho, also on Thursday at 6:00 p.m.
