Jema Galanza took over in the clutch as Creamline bounced back, taking down Petro Gazz in a tight four-set showdown, 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24, in the 2024 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference round-robin semifinals, Thursday at the Philsports Arena.
Coming off a 25-13, 25-19, 21-25, 20-25, 16-18 loss to sister team Choco Mucho, the Cool Smashers recovered immediately and showcased their championship poise to force a tie with the Angels through identical 1-1 records.
Galanza starred for Creamline, unloading 23 points, including three of the team’s last four points in the fourth frame. She also had 16 excellent digs and 14 excellent receptions in the two-hour, 28-minute jam-packed encounter.
“Siyempre, ico-congratulate ko yung team namin kasi almost four sets, sobrang intense ng game. Di sila bumigay, naglaro sila ng nasa puso nila,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Faced with a 22-24 disadvantage in the fourth after an Aiza Maizo-Pontillas cross-court hit, Galanza brushed one off the Angels’ blockers.
Then Jonah Sabete’s attack sailed out to tie the game at 24.
Galanza continued to step up, scoring via a down-the-line attack and then converting a searing cross-court attack to finish up the game for Creamline.
Tots Carlos previously missed the Cool Smashers’ five-set loss to Choco Mucho. She finished with 21 points on 17 attacks, three blocks, and one ace in her return to backstop Galanza.
Jeanette Panaga added 11 points, while team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in 10 markers in the victory.
Kyle Negrito dished out 26 excellent sets to go along with four points.
Denden Lazaro-Revilla and Kyla Atienza registered 15 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs, respectively.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, iba kayo kasi champion team kayo, so ipakita natin na malayo pa yung Creamline, kaya pa i-improve. Yun naman lagi yung sinasabi namin,” said Meneses.
Creamline looks to finish strong against Chery Tiggo on Sunday, 4:00 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, Brooke Van Sickle paced Petro Gazz with 22 points on 17 attacks, four blocks, and one ace. She also had 13 excellent receptions and 13 excellent digs.
Jonah Sabete had 22 as well, laced with 19 excellent receptions and 10 excellent digs.
MJ Phillips poured 17 points, including seven big blocks, while Aiza Maizo-Pontilla had 10.
The Angels aim to bounce back against Choco Mucho later that day at 6:00 PM.
