Semifinals-bound Creamline swept Pool A in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League Invitational League by defeating also-ran Akari, 25-19, 24-26, 26-24, 25-19, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig on Saturday.
The defending champions will enter the semis phase with a 1-0 record on account of its win over the other Pool A semifinalist, which will be either PLDT or Chery Tiggo with the High Speed Hitters and the Crossovers disputing the other slot at the close of the single round elims on Tuesday.
With the score tied at 16 in the fourth set, Akari committed two consecutive net violations, allowing Kyle Negrito to score three straight points for Creamline with two aces and one push shot, giving them a five-point lead at 21-16.
Ced Domingo and Alyssa Valdez added two more points for a 23-16 advantage before Michele Gumabao sealed the victory.
“Yung last game medyo bumagal pa yung pace ng team, at least nachallenge kami itong game na ito bago kami pumasok ng semis and sana lahat ng pagkakamali namin, hindi lang ngayon pati sa mga past games ay maayos na talaga namin,” said Jema Galanza, who led the way for the Cool Smashers with 16 points and seven excellent receptions.
When the Chargers threatened to take a 2-1 set lead at 24-22, Creamline fought back while Akari struggled.
Domingo started the Cool Smashers’ comeback with a quick kill, and Ezra Madrigal and Chiara Permentilla committed consecutive errors, giving Creamline the set point at 25-24. Galanza then finished the third set with a crosscourt shot.
Tots Carlos of Creamline contributed 14 points, Valdez scored 12 points and made nine digs, while Domingo and Jeanette Panaga each had 11 points.
Faith Nisperos and Dindin Santiago-Manabat scored 18 points each for Akari.
The Cool Smashers only dropped one set in their four games in Pool A, winning in straight sets against Chery Tiggo, PLDT, and Gerflor.
The Chargers, now at 0-3, will conclude their pool play games on Tuesday against the Defenders at 9:30 a.m.
