Creamline bucked a slow start and went on a rampage to dismantle Army Black Mamba, 25-15, 25-20, 25-12, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Tots Carlos rose to the occasion despite being hampered with hamstring issues by unloading 17 points including 14 attacks and two aces for the Cool Smashers, whose victory improved their win-loss tally to 5-1 and bolster their Final Four campaign.
“This game is actually a preparation for everyone kasi pataas nang pataas na yung level of games ng mga teams. Malaking boost of confidence itong panalo na to para samin and gusto pa naming ipagpatuloy to,” said Carlos.
The Cool Smashers actually trailed 15-14 in the opening frame before unleashing 10 straight points anchored on Pangs Panaga, Michele Gumabao and Carlos to take the set victory.
Army tried to regain the momentum in the second but still fell short, before completely losing steam in the third where Creamline dictated the tempo with a 12-5 lead and never looked back.
An ace from Rizza Mandapat and a crosscourt spike for Carlos sealed the victory in the 78-minute match.
Gumabao also stepped up for the Cool Smashers with 11 points while Rosemarie Vargas, Risa Sato and Jia De Guzman combined for 17 points.
It was a stinging defeat for the Lady Troopers, who fell deeper into the 0-5 hole at the cellar despite resilient attempts from Royse Tubino, who was the lone double digit scorer for the squad with 12 points.
It didn’t help that Army gave up 19 points on errors, and was outshone in the attacking department, 42-29.