By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers wasted no time flaunting their firepower after sweeping the retooled Chery Tiggo Pro Crossovers, 25-22, 25-22, 25-17, during the opening game day of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference last June 27, 2023, held at the FilOil EcoOil Centre.
Tots Carlos picked up where she left off and showed the way after dropping 24 big points built from 22 successful attacks alongside nine excellent digs.
Creamline’s superstar outside hitter quickly got it going in the opening set and torched the Chery Tiggo middle blockers with her signature power spikes to help the Cool Smashers dictate the tempo of the game.
The pink nation’s chemistry and fine two-way plays were still on full display, giving their all during their offensive sets orchestrated by Jia Morado-De Guzman while also turning it up on the defensive end led by Ced Domingo and Pangs Panaga.
Despite getting punched early in the game, the Pro Crossovers still showed fight and got a huge personal scoring run from their top rookie Eya Laure.
Laure opened the second set with consecutive winners which was enough in keeping Chery Tiggo within striking distance.
However, once Carlos erupted again, the Cool Smashers found a way to ice the set and go up 2-0 capped off by their tremendous floor coverage.
It was also a welcoming sight for the past conference queens as their team captain, Alyssa Valdez, finally made her return and impacted the game with her defense.
Valdez only chipped in three points but made it up with her floor coverage as she garnered a total of 10 excellent digs.
The last set became one-sided as the duo of Carlos and Jema Galanza waxed hot and were all over the court firing from all cylinders.
On the other hand, Chery Tiggo was led by Laure with 14 points and 15 excellent receptions while national team staple Mylene Paat was only held to nine markers.
