CREAMLINE CRUSHES PLDT; CHOCO MUCHO ALSO UNBEATEN
ILOCOS NORTE—It took Creamline some time to size up winless PLDT Home Fibr, but when the Cool Smashers figured things out, the Power Hitters didn’t stand a chance.
The defending champions broke away from a 13-all count in the opening frame, doing it all on both ends to score a 25-16, 25-12, 25-13 ripping of the Power Hitters in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra on Sunday.
The Cool Smashers sustained that scorching first-set windup, racing to 15-5 and 11-4 bulges in the next two sets which they turned into a virtual workout as the Power Hitters, impressive in the early going of the match kicking off the second week of the country’s first-ever pro volley league, struggled with their offense and scrambled in trying to keep the ball in play in the face of Creamline’s fiery assault.
The victory was Creamline’s fourth straight, and it proved the easiest after they had gone through the proverbial wringer against Sta. Lucia (25-18, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18), Petro Gazz (24-26, 28-26, 25-22, 25-20) and Black Mamba Army (20-25, 25-15, 2527, 25-19, 15-13).
Choco Mucho likewise notched another win later in the busy day, spoiling Perlas’ much delayed debut with a 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 victory that kept the Flying Titans within striking distance of the of the Cool Smashers after rising to 3-0.
The Spikers bucked a number of challenges, including training and extended quarantine woes, but failed to overcome a Choco Mucho side so focused on its mission after toppling PLDT in four and blasting Sta. Lucia in three in the last four days.
Choco Mucho controlled the second frame, 17-10, then scored on three Perlas’ service miscues to cruise to victory. The Flying Titans pounced on their rivals’ 12 unforced errors in that stretch.
Action continues on Monday with Perlas playing a second straight match, taking on formidable Chery Tiggo at 3 p.m., while Sta. Lucia and Army clash in a duel of struggling teams at 6 p.m.
While Creamline kept its hot streak going to further bolster its semifinal drive, PLDT continued its free fall, reeling to a fourth straight loss in the 10-team field chasing top four berths in the single round eliminations.
Pangs Panaga, a vital cog in Creamline’s previous victories, didn’t suit up due to injury with coach Sherwin Meneses giving his star-studded bench some court time, including former FEU standout Celine Domingo.
“I just hope the bench will continue to contribute,” said Meneses, pointing to Domingo’s fine showing in the absence of Panaga. “We really want to give the rest they need. Good thing they delivered.”
Playmaker Jia Morado emerged the game’s best player with 19 excellent sets on top of three hits, while Alyssa Valdez topscored with 16, all on attacks.
“Even in practice, Celine plays aggressive, energy-wise. Her eagerness is so inspiring, so when she took over for Pangs [Panaga], we’re really happy for her because we knew she would deliver,” said Valdez.
And deliver she did as Domingo finished with six hits next to Michele Gumabao’s nine points and Jema Galanza’s eight points.