By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers continued their unstoppable run in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference after blanking the PLDT High-Speed Hitters, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21, last July 13, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena.
Creamline’s huge morale-boosting victory was made sweeter after becoming the first squad to rust PLDT’s untainted record while punching a ticket to the tournament semifinals for the second-straight conference.
The Cool Smashers displayed another masterful performance against the High-Speed Hitters featuring a high-octane offensive show in front of their supporters.
Creamline’s non-stop hitting party was led by former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Tots Carlos who fired an impressive 22-point performance built from 17 successful attacks.
Aside from her offensive prowess, Carlos also put up an all-around performance of eight excellent receptions, three service aces, and two blocks.
It was Carlos who led Creamline’s rally midway through the first set when the High-Speed Hitters made things interesting with their middle blocking.
After a couple of defensive stops from PLDT, Carlos uncorked four big points to separate the Cool Smashers from the 17-point deadlock.
That sequence then propelled Creamline in clinching the opening frame while helping the Cool Smashers notch the much-needed momentum heading into the last two sets.
PLDT kept on fighting back in the second set and were able to match Creamline’s firepower but just like the first period, the reigning All-Filipino queens got the better of them in the final stretch to go up 2-0.
The Cool Smashers tightened up their screws in the last set and put more emphasis on their floor coverage and middle blocking that neutralized PLDT’s quick 1-2 attacking sets.
“I think magi-improve pa naman yung team kasi medyo dire-diretso yung games e, so kailangan pa mag-prepare ng marami pa. Pero happy naman kami na nanalo syempre,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Backstopping Carlos during their semifinal-clinching victory was outside hitter Jema Galanza who contributed 12 points built from 10 successful attacks.
Meanwhile, the returning team captain Alyssa Valdez displayed one of her best games of the conference so far after tallying 11 points and eight excellent digs.
