By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers are back in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) grand finals after completing the semifinal sweep over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, 23-25, 25-19, 25-18, 25-15, during Game 2.
Despite suffering a first set loss against the Choco Mucho youngsters, the Cool Smashers were quick to bounce back and countered with their own 3-0 set sweep.
It was what the Flying Titans wanted since their first meeting, start strong and feed their superstars Kat Tolentino and Bea De Leon to give them their much-needed boost and confidence.
Choco Mucho’s superstar setter Deanna Wong began the match firing hot after throwing high sets from all over the court which Tolentino and De Leon successfully scored including their outside hitter Ponggay Gaston.
However, the Creamline coaching staff adjusted immediately and was able to negate the offensive runs Choco Mucho executed at the start of the second set after solidifying their middle-blocking presence.
Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza then kicked off the offensive fireworks for the Cool Smashers as the duo combined for 41 successful attacks that became the Flying Titans’ nightmare for the rest of the game.
Veteran and superstar Alyssa Valdez joined the Creamline offensive party late in the second set and was able to chip in 17 points.
Aside from their stars contributing to their victory, other veterans stepped up including Jia Morado-de Guzman who scored crucial points when Creamline needed her the most.
“Thankful kami kasi naka-recover kami sa first set. Medyo kinapos yung habol namin sa first set, pero yung maturity ng Creamline nandyan na palagi,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
