Cool Smashers Edge HD Spikers in Five-Set Thriller

Games Tuesday

4 p.m. – Farm Fresh vs PLDT

6:30 p.m. – ZUS Coffee vs Petro Gazz

The Creamline Cool Smashers maintained their perfect record in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference with a hard-fought 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 victory over the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday at the Philsports Arena.

Despite squandering a two-set advantage, the Cool Smashers regained composure in the decisive fifth set, leaning on their depth and poise to secure their seventh straight win.

Bernadeth Pons delivered a standout performance, notching 27 points, including the match-winning down-the-line hit, and contributing 14 excellent digs to earn Best Player of the Game honors.

“During the third set, our passing broke down, and our energy dipped,” said Pons in Filipino, reflecting on the challenges Creamline faced during the match. “I just played my role and gave my best. But there’s still a lot to improve, and I’ll keep working hard.”

The victory keeps Creamline on track for a potential sweep of the preliminary round, with crucial matches ahead against Chery Tiggo, Farm Fresh, PLDT, and Galeries Tower.

Tots Carlos and Bea de Leon supported Pons with 15 and 12 points, respectively, while Jema Galanza added nine markers. Key contributions also came from Michele Gumabao, Kyle Negrito, and Pangs Panaga, who combined for 17 points.

Cignal, despite missing two key players, pushed the defending champions to the brink. Vanie Gandler stepped up with 21 points, while rookie Ishie Lalongisip impressed with 19 markers. Jackie Acuña and Rose Doria-Aquino added 16 and 11 points, respectively.

The Cool Smashers started the fifth set strong, taking an early 4-1 lead. Despite repeated comeback attempts from the HD Spikers, Creamline maintained control, capitalizing on crucial errors from their opponents.

The match was also marked by drama in the second set, which lasted 54 minutes. A contentious challenge and referee intervention led to a block touch ruling in favor of Creamline, allowing them to edge out Cignal and secure a 2-0 lead.

Cignal found momentum in the third and fourth sets, with Gandler delivering clutch plays to force a decider. However, the HD Spikers struggled to sustain their intensity in the fifth set, succumbing to Creamline’s well-rounded attack and defensive adjustments.

Creamline’s dominance reflects their championship pedigree, boasting 10 titles in 13 finals appearances. Their depth, experience, and ability to rise in crunch moments set them apart as they eye the top seed in the knockout phase.

Meanwhile, the Akari Chargers bolstered their playoff hopes with a commanding 25-9, 25-17, 26-24 win over the Capital1 Solar Spikers earlier in the day. Ivy Lacsina led the charge with 15 points, earning Best Player of the Game honors.

Akari’s victory moved them to a 5-4 record, tying Chery Tiggo for fifth place. With critical matches against Choco Mucho and Cignal ahead, the Chargers are positioning themselves as legitimate contenders for a deep playoff run.

For Creamline and Akari, their performances underscore the intensity of the PVL season, where every game carries weight in the race for playoff seeding and championship aspirations.