Creamline outplays Chery Tiggo, moves one win away from PVL Open title

Creamline squandered a two-set lead but came out smoking when needed most as it outhustled Chery Tiggo, 25-15, 25-21, 18-25, 19-25, 15-7, to take Game 1 of their best-of-three finals in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the PVC Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Alyssa Valdez led the charge by drilling in hard-hitting kills including the final point that sealed the win as the Cool Smashers inched closer to winning the country’s first pro volleyball league crown.
“Coach Tai (Bundit) would always say it’s 0-0 going to the fifth set. So yun lang yung mindset namin and we really gave it all in the fifth set,” said Valdez, who poured all her 21 points at the attack line.
Tots Carlos continued to make waves with her consistent plays by pumping in 26 points including 22 kills and three blocks, while Jema Galanza chipped in 17 points.
Jia Morado also spread the ball well and converted 41 excellent sets on top of seven points highlighted by four aces.
Creamline quickly regained its composure after dropping the third and fourth frames by cruising to a quick 7-2 lead and never looked back.
The Cool Smashers’ victory also overshadowed the efforts of sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Manabat, who fired 25 and 19 points in a losing effort for the Crossovers.
Game 2 of the finals will be Thursday.