In a clash of top teams missing several of their key players, Creamline emerged victorious over Chery Tiggo, winning the last two sets after being edged out in the second for a 25-20, 24-26, 25-16, 25-19 triumph in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Philsports Arena yesterday (Tuesday).
Bernadette Pons made a significant comeback with 25 points, while Michele Gumabao and Bea de Leon contributed 17 and 12 points, respectively, helping the Cool Smashers secure their second consecutive victory after a five-set loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters. This win tied them with Chery Tiggo at 2-1 in Pool A play.
Creamline unleashed an impressive 19-attack game in the pivotal third set, dominating the Crossovers, who managed only 11. They maintained their momentum in the fourth set, leading 10-3 and 17-12, eventually sealing the victory in two hours and four minutes.
“Personally, I was disappointed with my performance last time,” said Pons, referring to her nine-point output in their four-set win over the Farm Fresh Foxies last July 20. “I knew I could do better, I could do more.”
And she did. Aside from her team-high scoring with an impressive 44 percent attack efficiency, the former FEU standout delivered 23 excellent receptions and seven digs, helping turn a potentially close match into a decisive win.
“We expected the match against the Crossovers to be tough. But we studied them and applied what we’ve been practicing,” added Pons.
Erica Staunton also shone with 21 points, including two crucial back-to-back hits that put Creamline ahead 20-16 in the fourth set. After Kath Bell scored her 30th point, Pons responded with consecutive power hits.
Following another Bell attack and a Pons error, Risa Sato took the spotlight with a quick hit, then put the Cool Smashers at match point with a two-handed dump off a Chery Tiggo over-receive.
Pons then fittingly closed out the match with another powerful hit, as Creamline’s defense thwarted Bell’s final attempt to extend the match.
Creamline continued to play without injured stars Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza, who was with the Alas Pilipinas squad. Chery Tiggo also missed Alas members Eya Laure and Jen Nierva, as well as the injured EJ Laure.
Bell finished with 31 points and added nine excellent receptions and eight digs, while Ara Galang backed her up with 12 markers. But the other locals failed to step up s Mary Rhose Dapol ended up with five points and Aby Maraño chipped in four markers.
