By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
The semis series of top seed Creamline and fourth-ranked F2 Logistics was just as good as it was advertised.
The Cool Smashers recovered from a third-set hiccup to beat the Cargo Movers, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, in Game 1 of their semifinal series in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Saturday, March 18.
Tots Carlos and Michele Gumabao delivered as expected particularly in the crunch to finish with 22 and 20 points, respectively, as the Cool Smashers drew the first blood in their best-of-three semis affair.
The victory enabled Creamline to avenge the loss – its lone defeat – inflicted by F2 Logistics in the eliminations.
Gumabao lauded their team’s effort to recover from a slow start, where they gave up 11 points on errors.
“Ang importante nakabawi kami sa mga errors namin. At least nagawan namin ng paraan,” said Gumabao, who erupted for 19 points on the attack line.
“Importante that we’re working it as a team, na we know our strengths and weaknesses so kapag may nagkukulang, alam na namin kung paano namin saluhin yung mga teammates namin.”
Creamline displayed its depth in the second set where Pangs Panaga sparked a 13-3 blast to turn a 6-4 deficit to a comfortable 16-8 cushion.
F2 Logistics, however, refused to be intimidated putting up a rock-solid defense anchored on libero Dawn Macandili, Ivy Lacsina and Elaine Kasilag to clinch the third frame.
But they failed to gain any edge from it, allowing the Cool Smashers to take control by racing to a 5-0 lead.
Overall, the Cargo Movers managed 11 blocks against the Cool Smashers’ three, but Creamline’s all-around offense proved too hot to handle as it outplayed F2 Logistics on attacks, 69-38.
Jema Galanza contributed 12 points while Panaga chipped in 11 points for the Cool Smashers, who aim to book the finals ticket in Game 2 on Tuesday, March 21.
The Cargo Movers, who missed the services of Myla Pablo due to health issues, turned to Kim Dy’s 13-point production and Kasilag’s 11-point output to no avail.