By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers’ undefeated run in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference is still on full display after blanking the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-18, 27-25, 25-22, during the semifinal round last December 7, 2023, held at the Philsports Arena.
Creamline just showed its veteran experience and on-court chemistry against Chery Tiggo who just had no answers to the reigning PVL queens’ firepower.
With the victory, the Cool Smashers moved one win away from another PVL grand finals appearance and are hoping to end 2023 with a bang.
From the get-go, the Cool Smashers executed their offensive sets to perfection as the duo of Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos gave Creamline the early scoring they needed.
Despite the tough middle blocking coverage provided by the Crossovers, the Cool Smashers still found a way to break through and outsmart them with their varied offense.
Chery Tiggo came close to equalizing the game in the following set but crucial drop balls from Carlos and Galanza helped Creamline seal the frame and went up 2-0.
After the Galanza and Carlos show, Alyssa Valdez joined the scoring party in the third and final set and boosted Creamline’s offensive attack.
Galanza top-scored for the Cool Smashers with 17 points built from 15 successful attacks while Carlos and Valdez chipped in 15 and 12 points, respectively.
On the other hand, the Crossovers got 18 markers from superstar Eya Laure but her individual prowess wasn’t enough to handle Creamline’s deep attack.
Chery Tiggo will look to drag the Cool Smashers into a do-or-die Game 3 on December 9, 2023, in the upcoming Game 2 of their semifinal duel.
