Cool Smashers clinch No. 3 seed, clobber Thunderbelles

Creamline made quick work of ZUS Coffee, securing a decisive 25-17, 25-15, 25-22 victory to all but lock in the No. 3 seed in the knockout quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday.

Demonstrating their dominance in firepower, depth and experience, the Cool Smashers needed just 77 minutes to dispatch the Thunderbelles, finishing the two-phase elimination round with a 6-2 win-loss record. This virtually guarantees them the No. 3 ranking, setting up a potential quarterfinal clash with the Capital1 Solar Spikers (5-3).

PLDT and Chery Tiggo still have an opportunity to tie Creamline at 6-2, but the Cool Smashers hold a superior total points tally of 20 in case of a tie.

The High Speed Hitters, still in action against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at presstime, can only reach a maximum of 19 points, while the Crossovers, who are scheduled to play the Petro Gazz Angels later, can accumulate a maximum of 18 points.

“We’re ready, sa lahat ng challenges na mangyayari. Ang importante lang talaga is yung determination namin na manalo,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses. “Lalo na knockout game, so, trust lang namin sa isa’t isa.”

Erica Staunton led the Cool Smashers with 17 points, while Bernadeth Pons continued to shine, contributing 11 points and stepping up as the primary local player in the absence of Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez, who are both recovering from injuries, and Alas Pilipinas members Jema Galanza and Jia de Guzman.

Lyn Bernardo also geared up for the tougher matches ahead, adding eight points, while middle blocker Bea de Leon chipped in four points, including two crucial kill blocks. Creamline dominated the spiking battle, out-hitting ZUS Coffee 43-29.

“Malaking bagay ‘to kasi matagal ko na rin hinihintay yung opportunity to play longer minutes,” said Bernardo.

Creamline also took advantage of ZUS Coffee’s poor service reception, scoring five aces and netting 25 points from the Thunderbelles’ errors.

In addition to her offensive contributions, Pons excelled defensively with 12 excellent digs and six receptions, showcasing her all-around performance.

ZUS Coffee closed its campaign without a win in eight matches but gained valuable experience from its debut season in the country’s premier league organized by Sports Vision.

Asak Tamaru led the Thunderbelles with 16 points, while Michelle Gamit, Ypril Tapia, Gayle Pascual, Cloanne Mondonedo, Dolly Verzosa and Sharya Ancheta combined for 17 markers.

Meanwhile, Meneses remains hopeful for the return of Carlos and Valdez but reassures that the team is prepared to face any challenge, regardless of their availability.

“Hopefully makabalik sila. Pero hindi ko kasi masagot kasi yung medical team namin, wala pang advise,” said Meneses. “Pero ready naman kami kung hindi sila makabalik, especially yung mga bench players nagko-contribute naman talaga nang husto.”