Creamline, using its power and talent to the max, swept an undermanned Choco Mucho, its 25-22, 25-14, 25-22, Saturday in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena
The Cool Smashers warded off the Flying Titans’ fightback in the stretch of the opening set, coasted to a trouble-free win in the next then battled back from 0-5 down in the third to frustrate their sister team and complete the romp before screaming 15,237 fans and watched by millions more at home.
In the first game, PLDT Home Fibr kept its poise and kept its offense going, essaying a clutch 17-25, 25-11, 25-20, 25-18 victory over Army to close in on a semifinal berth.
Creamline and PLDT improved to 3-1 records.
Playing on sheer guts and big fighting heart in the continued absence of Kat Tolentino and injured Aduke Ogunsanya, among others, the Flying Titans ran off five straight points to start the third set battle to the delight of their supporters.
But hardly did that surge flustered the Cool Smashers, who re-imposed their will in time to draw level at 12 and 14 before wearing down their rivals to clinch the win on the last of Tots Carlos’ series of power blasts in another explosive 25-hit showing.
It was a big bounce back win for the Cool Smashers following their four-set setback to the unbeaten Cignal HD Spikers two nights ago and it pushed the fancied squad closer to the next round and on track for a second straight championship after ruling the Open Conference last April.
The Flying Titans, who played with just nine players, failed to soar for the third straight time after beating the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in three in the inaugurals two weeks ago, slipping to joint fifth with the Crossovers at 1-3 while enabling the Lady Troopers to seize solo fourth at 2-2 heading to the final week of the single round robin elims among seven teams.
Dell Palomata underscored the High Speed Hitters’ aggressive play with a towering 12-hit performance on quick attacks that often found their targets while Jules Samonte, Fiola Ceballos and Chin Chin Basas sustained their form that helped anchor their five-set escape over the Petro Gazz Angels last Tuesday.
With a 3-1 slate, PLDT moved to solo second behind first semifinalist Cignal HD (4-0), moving a win away from advancing to the semis for the first time since sweeping Army to win the 2015 Reinforced Conference crown of the defunct Shakey’s V-League.
