By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline banked on a dominating third set performance to dismantle Chery Tiggo, 25-22, 22-25, 25-5, 25-19, in Game 1 of their bronze-medal match in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, Dec. 1.
Tots Carlos delivered the goods for the Cool Smashers who were denied of a grand slam bid. She finished with 18 points.
The victory moved Creamline a win away from clinching the third-place honors in their best-of-three consolation affair.
“We’re happy that the team played well (today). At least yung mood na ngayon, good vibes talaga. We’re still grateful,” said Carlos, who scattered 18 of her 19 points on attacks.
With coach Sherwin Meneses fielding an all-Filipino lineup throughout the one hour, 54-minute match, the Cool Smashers bucked a slow start and went full throttle in the third set where they leaned on their seven blocks and two aces to limit the Crossovers’ production to only five points.
Chery Tiggo appeared to have regained its bearings in the fourth with a 12-9 lead, but Alyssa Valdez spearheaded an offensive assault to grab the 19-15 upperhand as Creamline dictated the pace for good.
A Valdez kill and three straight attacks from Michele Gumabao sealed the victory for the Cool Smashers.
Valdez fired 16 points built on 12 hits and four blocks while Pangs Panaga took charge of Creamline’s defense with 9 blocks to finish with 14 points.
Gumabao chipped in 11 while Jema Galanza added 10.
Creamline overpowered Chery Tiggo on all fronts particularly in attacks, 57-35, and blocks, 17-9.
Only Roselle Baliton finished in double figures for the Crossovers with 10 points while import Jelena Cvijovic and Mylene Paat had nine and eight points.
Game 2 will be on Tuesday, Dec. 6.
