Creamline capped off a four-game winning streak in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference after a five-set defeat to PLDT, sweeping Nxled, 25-18, 25-18, 25-20, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig last night (Thursday).
The victory not only secured the Cool Smashers the top spot in Pool A but also strengthened their momentum heading into the crossover round. Joining them are PLDT, which also concluded the Pool A eliminations with a 4-1 record, and Chery Tiggo, whose match against Galeries Tower was still underway at press time.
Despite an early six-point deficit in the third set, Creamline showcased its endgame prowess.
Nxled, eager to extend the match, took an 11-5 lead following a miscue by Kyle Negrito. However, the Cool Smashers quickly regrouped, with Erica Staunton, Michele Gumabao and Bernadette Pons leading the charge.
Creamline tied the game at 15, 17 and 18 before a key block by Pangs Panaga put them ahead. Gumabao then extended the lead with a successful attack.
Nxled fought back, forcing a tie at 20, but a service error by Jalia Atienza and subsequent blocks by Gumabao and Panaga sealed the win for Creamline, which trounced Farm Fresh, Chery Tiggo and Galeries Tower after yielding a five-set loss to PLDT last July 16.
Gumabao’s crosscourt hit and Staunton’s decisive attack wrapped up the match in just one hour and 31 minutes.
Creamline’s balanced offense was key, with Staunton and Pons each contributing 13 points, while Gumabao added 12 markers.
Pons also excelled defensively, tallying 14 digs and eight receptions.
“We just followed coach Sherwin Meneses’ system and focused on executing what we practiced,” said Pons in Filipino, who was named Player of the Game.
Creamline dominated across all metrics, outscoring Nxled in attacks (43 to 33), blocks (7 to 5), and service aces (5 to 3).
Nxled, who finished the elimination round with a 1-4 record, struggled to keep up, with Jho Maraguinot leading with nine points and import Meegan Hart contributing only seven markers.
