By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline banked on its championship experience to pull off a thrilling 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22 win over Choco Mucho and move closer to a seventh title in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Thursday night, Dec. 14.
The Cool Smashers pounced on their sister team with heavy attacks that slowly weakened the Flying Titans’ defense to draw the first blood in their best-of-three titular showdown before an energetic crowd.
The Cool Smashers seek to close out the series in Game 2 on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Game 3, if necessary, would be on Dec. 19 also at Araneta.
The win also preserved Creamline’s unblemished record and extended its winning streak to 14 games in the tournament.
So fierce were Creamline’s offense that five players scored in double figures with Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza firing 16 points apiece – all from attacks.
Jeanette Panaga also rose to the challenge for the Cool Smashers, taking charge of their defense with four blocks to finish with 13 points, while Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao pumped in 11 points each.
Creamline encountered resistance in the third set where Choco Mucho kept it close at 23-all, before the Cool Smashers prevailed with back-to-back points from Risa Sato and Jema Galanza.
They held their momentum in the fourth despite persistent attempts from the Flying Titans, and went on to pull away from a 20-16 edge to match victory.
Maddie Madayag attempted to lift Choco Mucho with an 18-point performance, but Creamline was a tough nut to crack.
Sisi Rondina and Kat Tolentino led Choco with 17 and 16 points, but it was still not enough to slow down the Cool Smashers.
