The Creamline Cool Smashers survived the Perlas Spikers, 25-12, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10, to solidify their hold of the top spot in the 2021 PVL Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte Friday, Aug. 6.
Alyssa Valdez led Creamline with 24 points on top of 22 kills while Tots Carlos unloaded 20 markers with 18 coming from attacks.
Jema Galanza added 13 points and Michele Gumabao, who only suited up for the first three sets, chipped in 11 markers for the Cool Smashers.
Down by two sets in the fourth frame, Creamline bounced back late by firing a 4-0 run en route to a comfortable 24-19 lead at set point.
The Cool Smashers found momentum first in the decisive fifth set and led by as many as six points for a 12-6 cushion before Perlas answered with three straight points to cut the deficit by three.
Perlas had its chances for a retake but a Valdez hit and two attack errors from Heather Anne Guino-o sealed the deal for the No. 1 team.
"One of the mindsets going into the semis, we just have to play our game. This tournament is really more mental as well as physically we’re going with confidence. Hopefully, sana mabigyan naming maganda laro makakalaban namin," said Valdez.
Cherry Rose Nunag paced Perlas with 17 points with 13 kills, Guino-o scored 14 points on 11 attacks, and Jho Maraguinot had 12 markers.
Creamline improved to an 8-1 record heading into the semifinals while Perlas remained at rock bottom with a 1-7 slate.