By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline bucked a slow start and bested sister team Choco Mucho, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20, 28-26, to finish its elimination round campaign on a high note in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Before an enthralled crowd of around 19,000, the Cool Smashers showed the discipline that have made them the most popular squad to frustrate the Flying Titans.
Already in the semis, the Cool Smashers played with their hearts out especially in the second set that further energized the fans who arrived in droves.
The Flying Titans played minus import Odina Aliyeva, but they were still able to give the Cool Smashers some scary moments in the fourth frame.
But Creamline’s experience spelled the difference to end the elims on top with seven wins against one loss.
Aliyeva missed the match due to health reasons.
Tots Carlos erupted for 25 points spread through 18 kills and six blocks to spearhead Creamline’s charge in the match that saw a record-breaking 19,157 fans.
Ced Domingo also stepped up with 15 points even as skipper Alyssa Valdez contributed 14 for the Cool Smashers, who leaned on their all-around plays to outhustle the Flying Titans.
Creamline fired more attacks, 57-54, and made more blocks, 12-7.
Kat Tolentino and Des Cheng carried the cudgels for Choco Mucho with 24 and 17 points, but their efforts weren’t enough as they slid to a 3-4 record to put their semifinal bid in peril.
The Flying Titans still have one match left – against the Cignal HD Spikers on Tuesday, Nov. 22.
