By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline extended its dominance over PLDT, 25-20, 25-21, 25-17, and booked the first semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League All Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City Tuesday, March 7.
The Cool Smashers displayed consistency in the one and a half hour contest that saw Ced Domingo leading the charge with 17 points built on 16 attacks and one block.
The victory hiked Creamline’s win-loss tally to 6-1 that further tightened its hold of the tight spot.
It also snapped PLDT’s four-game winning run as the High Speed Hitters slid to 4-2.
“Ginawa lang namin yung mga roles namin sa team,” said Domingo, who orchestrated a 6-1 run in the third set that ripped the game wide open from a 14-9 lead to a 20-12 cushion.
It was also Domingo who put Creamline at match point with a quick kill, 24-16, before a drop shot from Rhea Dimaculangan briefly gave PLDT life.
But it turned out to be a short-lived moment as an overset from the Cool Smashers had the High Speed Hitters scrambling for a reception to no avail.
Tots Carlos paced Creamline with 18 points highlighted by 15 kills, while Jema Galanza chipped in 11 points.
Jia De Guzman also silently contributed with 20 excellent sets.
Mich Morente tried to steer PLDT to the winning column by topscoring with 12 points, but the Cool Smashers were too much to handle.
Mika Reyes also finished with 11 points for the High Speed Hitters in a losing effort.