Creamline opened the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference semifinals with a 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 sweep of Petro Gazz, Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers made quick work of the Angels, scoring their first-ever sweep of the tournament after nine games played. They go up 1-0 in the round-robin semis, which also features Chery Tiggo and Cignal.
Turkish reinforcement Yelo Basa top-scored for the Rebisco-backed squad with 17 points on 16 attacks. Jema Galanza backstopped her with 14 points on 12 attacks and two aces to go along with eight excellent digs.
Alyssa Valdez chipped in 11 markers, including two kill blocks, on top of 15 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Ced Domingo had 10 points.
Creamline also overcame humid conditions inside the arena due to a malfunctioning air conditioning system – though staff later on fixed in the second set.
Jia De Guzman tossed 19 excellent sets and scored three aces to finish with four points. Meanwhile, Kyla Atienza notched 19 excellent digs and 10 receptions.
“Malaking bagay sa amin ‘to, lalo na three sets. Kasi syempre yung mga points napakahalaga kung mag-tie before sa finals. So just like sa eliminations, maraming nagkatalo sa points, so napakalaking advantage sa amin na naka three points kami ngayon,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Hopefully, next game mag-laro pa kami nang maganda at ma-improve yung team kasi malayo pa. Dalawang games pa,” he added.
The Cool Smashers – led by Tots Carlos, Galanza, and Basa – used a four-to-nothing blast to tie the match-clinching third set at 18-all after trailing by four points.
Lindsey Vander Weide, Aiza Maizo-Pontillas, and MJ Phillips kept the Angels within striking distance. Then the American import cashed in on a power tip to put her side ahead, 23-22.
However, Phillips committed a net violation, while Domingo scored off an over reception and a quick attack, respectively, to finish off the game.
Vander Weide led Petro Gazz with 16 points on 13 attacks and three blocks. Phillips and Maizo-Pontillas added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Creamline goes up against Cignal on Sunday, 2:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. On the other hand, Petro Gazz will take on Chery Tiggo later that day at 5:30 PM.
