By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers began their quest for a back-to-back Premier Volleyball League (PVL) championship with an impressive win against the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20, during the ongoing Invitational Conference.
It was a back-and-forth affair during the first three sets but the veteran and star-studded Cool Smashers squad was able to hold their ground against the resilient Angels and banked on their court mastery.
After taking the opening set, the PVL defending champions couldn’t sustain their momentum against the surging Petro Gazz led by veteran opposite hitter Myla Pablo.
The Cool Smashers found themselves in deeper trouble after being down 17-21 in the third set that would’ve put them a set down but a clutch offensive run helped them cap off the set with an 8-1 finish and a 25-22 win.
Creamline then entered the fourth and final set with oozing confidence, striking first in the scoring department led by their explosive duo of Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez.
Petro Gazz still put up a valiant fightback in the fourth set and was able to inch close against the Cool Smashers but their unforced errors awarded Creamline with easy points.
Veteran setter Jia de Guzman had a stellar PVL kick-off after dishing out 27 excellent sets and displayed her tremendous floor defense after picking up crucial digs.
Carlos top-scored the Cool Smashers with 18 big points built from 15 successful attacks, two service aces, and one block.
Backstopping the 2022 Open Conference Most Valuable Player (MVP) were Jema Galanza and Risa Sato who chipped in 17 and 11 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Petro Gazz was led by Pablo with 15 points, MJ Phillips with 14 points, and veteran spiker Aiza Maizo-Pontillas had nine points.
