By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers continued its mastery over the Akari Chargers after sweeping them during their finals rematch, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on November 23, 2024, at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Just like their championship series last PVL Reinforced Conference several months ago, the Cool Smashers imposed their will and out-maneuvered Akari, dominating them in all facets of the highly-anticipated clash.
The Cool Smashers seized full control of the match during the last two sets after pulling off a thrilling win in the opening frame.
After breaking through in the first while avoiding a disappointing meltdown, Creamline just cruised through the game and didn’t give Akari any room to breathe in the final 30 minutes of the showdown.
The Chargers almost dealt Creamline a set to forget after coming back from an eight-point deficit to equalize the opening frame at 24-all.
Akari spoiled Creamline’s set point moment when they pulled off a courageous 8-1 scoring run courtesy of their improved backline coverage and a more precise point of attack.
Just when the Chargers thought they could bank on their crisp and quick 1-2 set plays in the middle, the returning Tots Carlos came back as if she never left and tore Akari’s hearts with the set-sealing spike to steer them to a 1-0 lead.
After that wild first-set sequence, the Chargers immediately went flat and allowed the Cool Smashers to capitalize on every gap they found in the game.
The trio of Jema Galanza, Bea De Leon, and Bernadeth Pons came through when Creamline needed them the post as they supplied the much-needed offense that helped protect the Cool Smashers’ lead until the third and final set.
Every time Erika Raagas and Ivy Lacsina mounted a rally for the Chargers, the trio answered back and played huge in the third during their most dominant set win.
Galanza led all scorers for the Cool Smashers after producing 13 points built from 11 successful attacks alongside five excellent receptions and four excellent digs.
Meanwhile, De Leon paid off the trust of the coaching staff after putting up an all-around outing of 10 points, two blocks, two excellent receptions, and a service ace.
Despite a limited playing time for Carlos who is coming off an injury last conference, the former Most Valuable Player (MVP) still delivered and chipped in four markers.
