Creamline secured the first semifinals berth in Pool A after handing PLDT its first loss, winning 25-21, 25-20, 25-21 in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Tots Carlos contributed 22 points, including 17 attacks, three aces, and two blocks, along with eight excellent receptions to maintain the Cool Smashers’ undefeated record in the group, standing at 3-0.
Carlos took charge during a 4-0 turnaround that broke a 17-all tie and gave the Cool Smashers a 21-17 advantage in the fourth set. Jia De Guzman committed a service error, but Carlos and Jema Galanza responded with a crosscourt attack and an ace, extending Creamline’s lead to 23-18.
Mika Reyes made a last-ditch attempt to save the High Speed Hitters, scoring two points in a three-to-nothing swing, but Carlos sealed the game with back-to-back attacks.
“Syempre maganda yung pagkapanalo namin today. Siguro na-secure na [namin] yung semifinal slot,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses after the win.
“I think magi-improve pa naman yung team kasi medyo dire-diretso yung games e, so kailangan pa mag-prepare ng marami pa. Pero happy naman kami na nanalo syempre,” he added.
Galanza contributed 12 points through 10 attacks and two aces, accompanied by six excellent receptions. Team captain Alyssa Valdez recorded 11 points and eight excellent digs.
Jia De Guzman steered the offense with 22 excellent digs, along with two points.
On the other hand, returning player Mean Mendrez scored the most points for PLDT with 10, achieved through eight attacks. Jovie Prado, who was stretchered off the court late in the fourth quarter due to a bad landing, had nine markers and five digs.
The High Speed Hitters dropped to a 1-1 record in Pool A.
Creamline will conclude its pool phase campaign against Akari on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., while PLDT will face Gerflor on the same day at 12:00 p.m., both matches taking place at the same venue.
