Jia De Guzman steered Creamline to its fifth consecutive All-Filipino Conference finals after eliminating F2 Logistics in straight sets, 25-22, 25-23, 25-16 in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League semifinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Tuesday night.
De Guzman’s superb playmaking skills once again took the spotlight – dishing out a total of 23 excellent sets in just three sets played, to go along with two points. Her stellar performance saw four Cool Smashers reach double digits in scoring after an hour and 47 minutes of play.
Tots Carlos posted a game-high 19 points built on 18 attacks, while Michele Gumabao notched 13 points for Creamline.
Jema Galanza finished with 11 points to go along with 15 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Ced Domingo – who was limping throughout the contest – ended up with 12 points as well on five attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
After taking the first two sets, the Cool Smashers wasted no time dispatching the Cargo Movers in the third and final frame. They notched an eight-point, 18-10 advantage after a Domingo quick.
Both teams traded hits from there as Carlos nailed an off-the-block hit to put the Rebisco-backed squad at match point. Then Galanza converted a powerful attack off a combination play to finish the game.
‘Siguro big advantage sa amin yung sa Sunday pa yung game. Syempre dire-diretso na yung mga games sa eliminations hanggang sa semifinals tapos galing pa kaming Iloilo,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Pero ready kami sa challenge na hindi na kami makapagpahinga, magpapakundisyon lang so advantage rin kasi maglalaro yung dalawang teams sa Thursday,” he added.
Kianna Dy led F2 Logistics with 11 points on nine attacks and two blocks. Myla Pablo previously missed the team’s Game One loss last Saturday due to nagging injuries. She saw herself limited to just nine points.
Ara Galang had nine points along with 10 excellent receptions and nine excellent digs, while Ivy Lacsina had nine markers as well which includes five blocks.
Creamline will take on the winner of the Petro Gazz-PLDT semifinals series on Sunday at the same venue.
