Alyssa Valdez reset her conference-high mark after helping defending champion Creamline escape F2 Logistics in five sets, 12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7, in the semifinals of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Thursday night, July 20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Defending champion Creamline remains unbeaten in the PVL Invitationals after a five-set win over F2 Logistics. (PVL Images)

The Cool Smashers remained unbeaten in five games to open their semifinals campaign and hold a 2-0 card.

With the win, Creamline and F2 Logistics’ head-to-head match record is now an even 2-2.

Valdez, who has shown promising form in her return from a knee injury, finished with 17 points on top of eight excellent digs.

The duo of Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos, though, delivered 17 attacks each after finishing with 20 and 19 points, respectively. Ced Domingo then added 16 points of her own in the winning cause.

Down by a set, 2-1, the Cool Smashers held on in the extended fourth set and denied the Cargo Movers’ fightback to bring the game into the final set, 30-28.

It was a dream start for Creamline in the fifth set after jumping to a telling 9-1 advantage.

The Cool Smashers never looked back and maintained an eight-point lead en route to the win as the Cargo Movers completely lost steam.

Myla Pablo paced F2 Logistics with a game-high 27 points built on 24 attacks and three blocks in the losing effort. Ivy Lacsina also tallied double figures with 13 points.

On the other hand, the Cargo Movers absorbed a 1-1 slate.