By: Ohmer Bautista
Tai Bundit made a successful return to the Philippine volleyball scene, as his Creamline Cool Smashers bucked a woeful start to fend off a gritty Motolite side, 13-25, 25-19, 25-16, 25-23, in the PVL Reinforced Conference Season 3, Saturday afternoon at the FilOil Flying V Centre.
The Cool Smashers tightened their hold of the second seat, as they sport a 3-1 card behind the unbeaten Petro Gazz Angels. Moreover, despite integrating a new import in Krystle Esdelle in lieu of the injured Edina Selimovic, Creamline kept Motolite winless after four games.
Creamline started sluggishly, as shaky receptions and a slew of unforced errors spelled disaster in the opening salvo. Motolite then took full advantage, leaning on their towering reinforcements Thompson and Esdelle to get the job done.
“I think we knew what we’re doing wrong and our mistakes in the first set, which was the reception,” Creamline team captain Alyssa Valdez said.
“We really focused on how we can do better in receiving, so it was better naman in second and third sets,” she added.
Marred by their lethargic start, Creamline struggled in the second set and found themselves mired in a 16-19 hole. The Cool Smashers then woke up and recovered in time, uncorking a set-clinching 9-0 run, wherein Michelle Gumabao poured all three of her points in the said stretch.
After regaining their groove, the Cool Smashers cruised to a third set win. They then carried the momentum into the ensuing set to complete the three-set swing.
Kuttika Kaewpin poured 17 points, all from spikes. Valdez chipped 13 markers built on eight points and five aces.
Motolite import Thompson finished with 23 points that went for naught. Esdelle added 11 markers for Motolite, who collected 25 points from the blocking and serving department but squandered a total of 35 errors to Creamline.
Motolite have yet to play Myla Pablo, who is recovering from a sore back.
Creamline look to end their first round campaign on a high note, taking on the Bali Pure Water Defenders on Wednesday, June 12. Meanwhile Motolite seek a breakthrough win at the expense of Bali Pure tomorrow, June 9. Both games will be held at the same venue.
