By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
All hail the queens of Philippine volleyball.
Congratulations, Creamline Cool Smashers!
After a breathtaking five-set thriller in Game 2 of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference finals against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, the Cool Smashers completed the 2-0 sweep, 22-25, 25-20, 29-27, 24-26, 15-12, and capped off their stellar season with a perfect 15-0 record last December 16, 2023, held at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
With another conference win, the prestigious PVL franchise just lifted its seventh championship title and proved once again that they are the most dominant squad in the All-Filipino Conference so far.
To get to the top, the Cool Smashers had to dig deep and use their experience to slow down the firepower of the Flying Titans as the first-timers in the championship series got the early momentum after snatching the first set.
Just when Choco Mucho thought they could replicate its flawless performance in the first set, the Cool Smashers got a timely lift from the duo of Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza as their offense clicked at the right time.
Their offensive efficiency then propelled the Cool Smashers to a 2-1 set lead, and was on the verge of raising the trophy with a win in the fourth set.
However, Choco Mucho’s resiliency and never-say-die attitude rose to the occasion as their clutch performance in the final 12 possessions helped them force a do-or-die deciding fifth set.
The Flying Titans looked to be in control of the game as they held to a slim 6-3 advantage in the fifth set.
When Creamline needed someone to step up in the bright lights of the championship game, there was only one name who took the responsibility.
And that was Alyssa Valdez.
Despite playing limited minutes in Game 2, the Cool Smashers coaching staff put their trust in Valdez, scoring five crucial points in the fifth set that made their win possible.
Already known as a clutch player since her UAAP days with the Ateneo de Manila University, Valdez carried Creamline in the fifth set and delivered the championship-clinching point after scoring a powerful cross-court hit.
“I think no words can express how proud I am of the effort na ginawa nila today and every single game this conference. I think everyone really had their moment this conference and it’s one thing that our coaches really prepared us for this moment so, yeah. I’m very very proud,” said Valdez after the win.
Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 21 points built from 19 successful attacks, 20 receptions, and nine digs while Bernadeth Pons added 14 points.
