MANILA, Philippines – The Creamline Cool Smashers proved their championship DNA extends beyond their usual stars as they rolled to a stunning 25-23, 25-19, 25-18 sweep of rivals Petro Gazz Angels, ending a PVL Reinforced Conference three-peat title bid on Tuesday, August 27.
Still without MVPs Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, and Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza in a do-or-die quarterfinal situation, usual suspects Erica Staunton and Bernadeth Pons led the charge with 19 and 16 points, respectively, as Michele Gumabao scored 11.
Kyle Negrito steered the winning offense with 16 excellent sets as Creamline arranged a knockout semifinal with the second-seeded Cignal HD Spikers.
“First off, we’re happy to survive the game today. It’s a do-or-die and it wasn’t easy battling the Petro Gazz veterans,” Pons said in Filipino.
“We told one another, it’s a do-or-do, we’re not gonna die. We really wanted to extend this conference for Erica because she’s really enjoying playing volleyball in the Philippines. Of course, the job’s not done. One day preparation before the semis, so we go back to work tomorrow.”
Reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle and import Wilma Salas scored 18 each as Petro Gazz ended an up-and-down conference plagued with sicknesses and inconsistencies in heartbreaking fashion.
Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters advanced to the knockout semifinal against the undefeated Akari Chargers after escaping the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in five sets, 25-23, 25-27, 15-25, 25-18, 15-9, following clutch performances from Majoy Baron and Lena Samoilenko.
The 6-foot-4 Russian import went toe-to-toe with American counterpart Khat Bell, leading the way with 37 points and 15 excellent receptions, while Baron scored 3 of her 9 points in the crucial fifth-set pullaway.
Fiola Ceballos tallied 12 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 8 excellent digs, as veteran stars Kim Fajardo and Kath Arado recorded 23 excellent sets and 24 excellent digs, respectively.
Bell went down swinging with a game-high 40 points and 15 excellent receptions as Ara Galang backstopped with 12 points and 12 excellent digs. – Rappler.com
