By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers proved that they are still the kryptonite to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans after dominating them in straight sets, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on April 18, 2024, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite a shaky performance during their past three games, the reigning queens of the PVL made sure to take care of their business against Choco Mucho during the highly-anticipated finals rematch of the last conference.
From the get-go, Creamline already got the better of the Flying Titans as their well-executed quick 1-2 plays in the middle went falling at will that help them build a commanding lead.
Despite back-to-back energetic plays from Sisi Rondina that trimmed their deficit to just three points midway through the first set, Tots Carlos of Creamline refused to extend the frame longer and pummeled two straight hits to secure the early 1-0 lead.
The Flying Titans played their best set of the game during the second when they finally fortified their floor coverage with several excellent digs and receptions but once again, Creamline’s timely hits and flawless middle blocking propelled them to a close win and go up 2-0.
It was all Creamline in the third and final set as former Choco Mucho mainstays, Bea De Leon and Denden Lazaro-Revilla, steered the Cool Smashers to a lopsided win.
De Leon, the former middle blocker of Choco Mucho who transferred to Creamline this conference, played a vital role in the win and capped off her performance with nine points and three blocks.
Meanwhile, Revilla also shone against her former team and led the Cool Smashers’ floor coverage with 17 excellent receptions.
Tots Carlos top-scored the game and led Creamline with 21 points derived from 18 successful attacks to go alongside three blocks and a service ace.
“Syempre happy kami na nakuha namin yung panalo by three sets, pero may isa pang game para ma-assure namin yung slot sa semifinals. Magtatrabaho muna ulit kami,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses after the win.
