By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers hiked their perfect record to an impressive 3-0 after blanking the Gerflor Defenders, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference last October 26, 2023, held in Ynares Center.
Fresh off a scintillating road victory against the Cignal HD Spikers four days ago, the Cool Smashers added another dominant win to their resume as they asserted their mastery over the young Gerflor squad.
Michelle Gumabao led the onslaught for the Cool Smashers after putting up 12 points built from 10 successful attacks, a block, and a service ace in just a span of three sets.
The powerful outside hitter quickly got into her groove in the opening set after Creamline went to her when their lead started to reach nine points.
Despite the defensive adjustments deployed by Gerflor to slow down Gumabao, the veteran attacker still found a way to score and used her off-speed hits to negate the middle blockers of the opposition.
Aside from Gumabao, the duo of Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos also provided the spark in the second set for Creamline.
When Gumabao took her rest, the 1-2 punch connected like haymakers and bullied the struggling Defenders to take a 2-0 lead.
It was then all Creamline in the third and final set as their balanced scoring attack and patient defensive schemes fended off any courageous comeback from Gerflor.
With the victory, the Cool Smashers take a solo lead in the team standings and join the Petro Gazz Angels as the only undefeated clubs in the All-Filipino Conference.
Creamline will have the chance to nab their fourth-straight victory if they outduel the Farm Fresh Foxies in their upcoming matchup on October 31, 2023.
