By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline bucked a slow start to beat Akari, 26-28, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22, and keep its record unscathed in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Nov. 30.
The Cool Smashers overcame their erratic plays en route to extending their winning run to 10 games, pushing them a win away from sweeping the eliminations.
Tots Carlos exploded anew for Creamline with 23 points highlighted by 21 kills, while Jema Galanza was equally hot, producing 14 attacks to finish with 16 points.
The Chargers put up a solid defensive game backstopped by Fifi Sharma and Roselle Baliton that challenged the Cool Smashers’ offense. The duo combined for nine of Akari’s 16 blocks.
But Creamline’s experience in the crunch made the difference in the end.
Carlos said the two-hour, 13-minute match gave them more opportunities to look into their game, but not to be complacent.
“Maganda rin na naka-experience kami ng ganitong klaseng game para mas ma-polish pa namin yung laro namin sa semis,” said Carlos.
Creamline committed 33 errors – 12 in the third set – but they made up for it with 67 attacks, eight blocks and six aces.
Jeanette Panaga also stepped up for the Cool Smashers with 12 points, including that solid block against Dindin Manabat that sealed the victory.
Meantime, PLDT dug deep and parried what an already eliminated F2 Logistics had to offer in pulling off a 25-21, 27-25, 25-23 victory to stay in semis hunt.
Fil-Canadian Savannah Davison dealt the most devastating damage by finishing with 22 points, including the match-sealing kill as the High Speed Hitters claimed their sixth win in 10 outings that somehow breathed life to their flickering semis bid.
