By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers’ dream of a Premier Volleyball League (PVL) grand slam bid is no longer a reality after a stunning turn of events in the ongoing 2022 Reinforced Conference.
Creamline’s five-set win over the Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers wasn’t enough to lift them out of the danger spot after needing either a sweep or a four-set win to boost their chances of a grand finals seat.
The Pro Crossovers went out to prove they are no fluke and gave the Cool Smashers a fight, 25-14, 20-25, 14-25, 25-11, 15-9, last November 29 held at the Philsports Arena.
After receiving a stunner from the rolling Cignal HD Spikers during their last match, the Cool Smashers only recorded a total of five points built from a 2-1 win-loss record.
On the other hand, the Petro Gazz Angels managed to pile up their points to six, edging the defending champions by just a point to set up a championship duel against the HD Spikers.
Creamline was in immediate attack mode after crushing the Pro Crossovers in the first set but Mylene Paat and the girls in red and black had other plans and were near to handing the Cool Smashers an upset after winning the next two sets.
Answering the call for the Cool Smashers is import Yelo Basa who played her best game of the conference after dropping 27 points built from 22 successful attacks.
Basa’s offensive spree at the start of the fourth set sparked the passive Creamline squad who went flat during sets no. 2 and 3.
Backstopping Basa is Alyssa Valdez who showed up midway through the fourth set and electrified the crowd with her signature backline hits.
The former national team outside hitter staple had an all-around efficient game and chipped in 18 points built from 15 successful attacks to go along with 11 digs and three aces.
“Medyo masakit sa amin pero sabi ko nga sa kanila, game ‘to. Kailangan natin tumapos kung anong trabaho natin. Ang importante, tumapos kami ng magandang laro” Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said.
The Cool Smashers will be looking for redemption in the upcoming next conference of the PVL eyed in the first quarter of 2023.
