Creamline moved on the cusp of a fifth consecutive All-Filipino finals appearance after fending off the Myla Pablo-less F2 Logistics, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15 in Game One of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals, Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers finally got their first win over the Cargo Movers after losing their first two match-ups since the Reinforced Conference.
Creamline survived a 23-24 deficit in the first set, but a Kianna Dy centerline fault sent the game to a deuce. Ivy Lacsina and Dy failed to communicate on the receive, which pushed the Cool Smashers to set point.
Tots Carlos then drilled an off-the-block hit to finish the game.
After playing from behind in the opener, Creamline turned it up a notch in the second frame. It went on a 12-2 blast, with five points coming from Jeanette Panaga. That turned a 4-6 disadvantage into a 16-8 lead en route to a 25-18 win.
The Cargo Movers came alive in the third, breaking a 19-all tie. Aby Marano and Elaine Kasilag spearheaded a 3-0 blast that put them ahead, 22-19.
Ced Domingo and Michelle Gumabao scored on consecutive possessions to keep the Cool Smashers alive. However, Kim Fajardo won a joust against Panaga before Kasilag roofed Jema Galanza to push F2 Logistics at set point, 24-21.
Gumabao saved a point, but Kasilag pushed the game to a fourth set with a cross-court attack.
Creamline then bagged the fourth to complete the sweep.
The team played in the playoffs without skipper Alyssa Valdez for the first time.
The Cargo Movers missed the services of Pablo – who suffered from cramps during their game against Choco Mucho – for the second straight time as she is still dealing with nagging injuries.
Creamline looks to finish off F2 Logistics on Tuesday, 6:30 PM at the Mall of Asia Arena.
