By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers are back in the biggest stage of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) after sweeping their semifinal series against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 2-0, in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference last December 9, 2023.
Creamline never gave Chery Tiggo any room to establish momentum and pummeled them in straight sets during Game 2, 26-24, 25-21, 25-21, to book its sixth-straight PVL grand final appearance.
After wrapping up the preliminary stage with a dominating undefeated record, the Cool Smashers put the cherry on top with another chance to rule the country’s professional volleyball league.
Chery Tiggo had a chance for an early lead after equalizing the opening set at 24-all courtesy of a conversion from Eya Laure but the Cool Smashers retaliated with two straight points to spoil another frame from the challengers.
Despite two close encounters in the second and third sets, it was the Cool Smashers who showed grit and character as the veteran squad pulled off an efficient performance on both ends of the floor.
Former Most Valuable Player (MVP) Tots Carlos went hot in the most perfect time for the Cool Smashers and top-scored her team with 19 big points built from 17 successful attacks.
When Chery Tiggo won’t go away and kept the game close in the third and final set, Carlos went on an offensive frenzy that officially fended off the Crossovers.
Aside from her lights-out offensive performance, the explosive spiker also contributed 13 excellent receptions and seven excellent digs.
Jema Galanza also continued her consistent scoring for the Cool Smashers and wrapped up the semis with 17 markers while team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in 14 points.
The Cool Smashers will now have the rest advantage over their opponents in the championship stage as they still await the winner between the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and the Cignal HD Spikers who will still face off in a do-or-die Game 3 semifinal clash.
