Alyssa Valdez erupts for 17 points in 3 sets as Creamline survives gutsy ZUS in 5
MANILA, Philippines – ZUS Coffee is truly no longer a pushover in the Premier Volleyball League.
Undefeated defending champion Creamline learned that fact the hard way as the Thunderbelles fought blow for blow in a five-set thriller, losing by the skin of their teeth as the Cool Smashers eked out a 22-25, 30-28, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13 escape at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday, December 12.
Philippine volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez led the nail-biting win with 17 points in just three sets played and two started, tying teammate Bernadeth Pons as Creamline rose to a 4-0 slate to end a productive 2024 run.
Reigning conference Finals MVP Jema Galanza scattered 15 points, 12 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions as Kyle Negrito rounded out the Cool Smashers’ vaunted attack rotation with 20 excellent digs.
“[The game] is not something that we’re proud of because it extended to five sets, but knowing ZUS Coffee, they really brought their A-game today,” Valdez said.
“They played so well and we’re really just happy and blessed that we won this game. It was anybody’s ball game in the fifth set, but luckily we got that.”
Reeling from an 8-point Set 4 blowout loss, Creamline barely hung on in the do-or-die fifth frame, trailing as late as 12-11 off a Thea Gagate quick attack.
Errors, however, stained what would have been a monumental franchise upset as Galanza laced a pair of kills in the final 4-1 surge, capped by a crushing Michelle Gamit attack error to gift Creamline the final razor-thin margin it needed to stay spotless heading to 2025.
Former NCAA MVP Cloanne Mondoñedo had her best game yet as a pro, setting up five ZUS Coffee players in double-digit scoring with 22 excellent sets to go with 8 points of her own. Kate Santiago topscored with 19, Gagate added 15, and veteran recruit Chai Troncoso added 13.
The Thunderbelles fell to a 2-3 slate off their second straight loss. – Rappler.com