By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers just showed why they are the no. 1 team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after snatching Game 1 of the All-Filipino Conference finals from the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 25-23, 19-25, 26-24, 25-22, last December 14, 2023, held at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Entering the championship series on an all-time high after collecting 13 straight victories while holding a perfect record, the Cool Smashers pulled off another masterclass and outdueled the Flying Titans with their fluid cross-court attacks and efficient backrow hits.
However, it wasn’t an easy task for the Cool Smashers as the rejuvenated Choco Mucho squad kept the whole game close and staged a nip-and-tuck affair the whole four sets.
Creamline drew first blood after getting away with a two-point first-set victory that helped build their momentum heading into the middle part of the finals duel.
The Flying Titans would retaliate and equalize the intense match after banking on their improved middle blocking that neutralized Creamline’s 1-2 set plays.
Choco Mucho had a chance to grab a 2-1 set lead after establishing a five-point lead in the middle part of the third set.
Just when Choco Mucho thought they could sustain their fine play, Alyssa Valdez answered the call for the Cool Smashers and lifted Creamline out of their hole, scoring four straight hits to pull them to within a point.
Deanna Wong was able to put Choco Mucho back in the driver’s seat after scoring a block but Creamline completed the comeback after a crucial Jema Galanza hit, giving the Cool Smashers a 2-1 championship lead.
In the fourth, the Cool Smashers received a clutch outing from the duo of Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao. The 1-2 punch helped Creamline extend its two-point lead, 22-20, to eventually climching the set and get away with a 1-0 lead in the finals.
Tots Carlos and Galanza led the Cool Smashers in scoring as the duo each scored 16 points apiece while Jeanette Panaga added 13.
On the other hand, the Flying Titans was paced by Maddie Madayag who contributed 18 points built from 11 successful attacks while Sisi Rondina gave them 17 markers.
