ANTIPOLO – PLDT put an end to Creamline’s dominant run, snapping the Cool Smashers’ 19-game winning streak that spanned six months and three conferences with a heart-stopping five-set victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
The High Speed Hitters, who had previously defeated the Cool Smashers in the 2024 All-Filipino and Reinforced Conferences, brought the Grand Slam-winning squad to its knees with a 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14 triumph on Saturday night at the Ynares Center here.
Savannah Davison delivered a monster performance, exploding for 34 points built on 29 attacks and five blocks, while also tallying 17 excellent sets. Her heroics helped PLDT secure its third straight win, forcing a three-way tie with Cignal and Choco Mucho for the third to fifth spots, all with identical 7-3 records.
“Just to win, honestly,” Davison said when asked about her motivation. “Whatever it took. We were super focused from the start. We knew it was gonna be a hard game, but we pulled through and never gave up. I’m very proud of what we did today.”
The High Speed Hitters set the tone early, edging Creamline in a tight opening set before taking another close win in the second. However, the Cool Smashers showed their championship mettle, grinding out the next two sets to force a decider.
Riding the momentum from their dominant fourth-set performance, Creamline surged ahead 8-5 in the fifth behind Jema Galanza, Jeanette Panaga, and Bernadeth Pons.
(C) PVL Images
Majoy Baron then stepped up for PLDT, scoring three crucial points in a 6-1 run that turned the tide in their favor, 11-9.
Panaga blocked Kianna Dy to bring Creamline within one, but Davison and Mika Reyes responded with back-to-back points, extending PLDT’s lead to 13-10.
The Cool Smashers refused to fold, with Pons igniting a 3-0 run to tie the game at 13-all. A tense exchange followed between Davison and Pons, keeping the score deadlocked at 14.
From there, the hard-hitting Canadian spiker took charge. Davison found an opening for a soft push to bring PLDT to match point before sealing the victory with a resounding block on Tots Carlos, capping off a two-hour and 38-minute thriller.
“Very happy na lahat nag-contribute from the bench to the starters. Naging balance eh, so ‘yun nga, long game na nakakapagod pero nairaos. Very proud sa naging laro ng team,” said High Speed Hitters head coach Rald Ricafort.
PLDT’s balanced attack proved crucial, with five players finishing in double figures.
Baron contributed 15 points, including 12 attacks and three blocks, while Fiola Ceballos delivered an all-around effort with 14 points, 16 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions.
Reyes added 11 points, including two aces, while Erika Santos chipped in 11 markers.
Team captain and defensive ace Kath Arado, who exited in the fourth set due to cramps, still managed to tally 21 excellent digs. Rookie Angge Alcantara also embraced the spotlight, dishing out 21 excellent sets.
Kim Fajardo and Dy provided key contributions, particularly in the decisive fifth set.
With the win, PLDT will head to Passi, Iloilo, where they will face ZUS Coffee on February 22, aiming to close the preliminary round on a four-game winning streak.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Creamline suffered its first loss of the conference, slipping to 9-1, now tied with Petro Gazz at the top of the standings.
The Cool Smashers’ last defeat came against the Angels in a five-setter (23-25, 19-25, 25-20, 25-23, 12-15) on August 13 at the Philsports Arena.
Pons led the charge for Creamline with 23 points, 20 of which came from attacks, while also collecting nine digs and 12 excellent receptions.
Carlos added 16 points, while Bea De Leon and Galanza each had 11. Michele Gumabao also made an impact off the bench with eight points.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 20 excellent sets while adding five points for the Rebisco-backed squad.
The Cool Smashers will look to bounce back and reclaim the solo lead when they face Galeries Tower on Thursday at 4:00 p.m. at Philsports Arena.
