By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline survived Nxled’s repeated rallies to eke out a 25-23, 25-16, 25-21 victory and clinch a semis berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday, Nov. 23.
The Cool Smashers’ vaunted offense was in full display against the young Chameleons to extend their winning streak to eight games.
That enabled Creamline to advance to the next round.
Also barging into the Final Four was Choco Mucho, which showed nerves of steel in turning back a gritty PLDT side, 25-20, 23-25, 18-25, 25-17, 15-12.
The Flying Titans fell into a 5-0 hole in the fifth set of the tight and exciting contest but recovered remarkably on their way to their eighth straight victory in 9 games.
Jema Galanza anchored Creamline anew with 14 points highlighted by four aces, while Michele Gumabao and Tots Carlos were equally productive, tallying 12 points each after combining for 23 kills.
Skipper Alyssa Valdez added seven points, also in a two-set stint, to help steer the defending champions to the one-hour, 25-minute romp.
Kyle Negrito also proved instrumental in the Cool Smashers’ win by delivering 16 of the team’s 21 excellent sets on top of finishing with three points.
Although Creamline appeaed in full control, Galanza said they still had to adjust against the determined Chameleons.
“Kahit may pagkukulang, nakita namin kung gaano ka-solid yung team namin,” said Galanza.
“Talagang tyinaga namin lalo na nung first set. Dun kami nasubok. Kaya marami pa ring ganung mangyayari samin kaya hindi kami dapat pakampante,” she added.
Though the Cool Smashers pounced on the Chameleons with 46 attacks, they gave up 22 on errors.
Jho Maraguinot finished with 14 points for the already eliminated Nxled, which fell to a 3-6 record.
