By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Creamline fought back a determined ZUS Coffee in the third set and prevailed 25-17, 25-15, 25-22 on Thursday, Aug. 22, to secure the third seeding in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
The Cool Smashers turned to Michele Gumabao in the crunch to turn back the Thunderbelles and hike their win-loss tally to 6-2 behind undefeated Akari (8-0) and No. 2 Cignal (7-1).
Erica Staunton fueled Creamline with 17 points built on 15 kills and two blocks, while Kyle Atienza took charge of their floor defense with 11 excellent digs.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses said the victory is crucial in their preparations heading into the next phase.
“Kailangan namin yung momentum para sa quarterfinals. Ready naman kami sa challenge, pero kailangan lang din namin ng focus at trust sa isa’t isa kasi ibang laro na sa next round,” said Meneses.
Bernadeth Pons also spearheaded the Cool Smashers’ assault with 11 points, while Gumabao rose to the occasion late in the third set that fueled their victory.
Tied at 20-all in the third, Gumabao scored the crucial points including an off-the-block spike and a service ace that sealed Creamline’s win.
Import Asaka Tamaru was the lone double-digit scorer for ZUS Coffee for 16 points as the Thunderbelles skidded to eighth straight loss in as many games.
None from ZUS Coffee actually scored more than five points as Michelle Gamit only managed five, while Ypril Tapia had four.
