Defending champion Creamline picked up a big win on Thursday night, scoring a stunning sweep over Choco Mucho, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, for a share of the number one spot in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers bolstered their semis bid after surging to their second consecutive win to improve their record to 8-2, tying their sister squad, whose four-game winning streak came to an end, at the top spot via identical records.
“Syempre happy kami na nakuha namin yung panalo by three sets, pero may isa pang game para ma-assure namin yung slot sa semifinals. Magtatrabaho muna ulit kami,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Ex-Flying Titans Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, who transferred to the Cool Smashers prior to the start of the season, proved to be a thorn in the side of their former squad after providing crucial contributions in the 88-minute contest.
The veteran defensive ace manned the floor and collected 17 excellent receptions while the 5-foot-11 middle blocker provided nine points on six attacks and three blocks in the victory as the reigning Open Conference champs improved their overall record versus Choco Mucho to 12-0.
Tots Carlos hammered down 21 points on 18 attacks and three blocks to lead Creamline.
Alyssa Valdez chipped in 11 points and 10 excellent digs while Jeanette Panaga scored 11 markers as well built on five blocks, four attacks, and two service aces.
Kyle Negrito tossed 17 excellent sets to go along with two points while Kyla Atienza contributed eight excellent digs.
Creamline looks to formalize its entry to the semis against PLDT on Thursday, 6:00 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
On the other hand, Sisi Rondina paced Choco Mucho with 17 points, all of which came from attacks, to go along with eight excellent receptions in the loss.
No other player breached the double-digit mark for the Flying TItans with Isa Molde and Royse Tubino contributing nine and seven points, respectively.
Flying Titans captain Maddie Madayag was held to just four points.
Choco Mucho will try to bounce back versus Farm Fresh on Tuesday, 6:00 p.m., also in Philsports.
