Creamline shines in CDO, wins seventh in a row

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental — Defending champion Creamline eased past PLDT, 25-23, 25-21, 25-19, in an entertaining encounter in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Saturday night at the Aquilino Q. Pimentel International Convention Center here.

The 9,862-strong crowd that trooped the mountaintop venue got their money's worth seeing the biggest draw Alyssa Valdez get ample playing time in the Cool Smashers' seventh straight win in as many starts to move within a victory of a semis seat.

Head coach Sherwin Meneses lauded his skipper's performance especially her leadership in maintaining order inside the court each time the High Speed Hitters threatened to take the advantage.

"That first set was really tight. We're looking at the situation if it would be at our advantage or not. But it's reassuring that we have Alyssa inside. Her leadership is unquestionable," Meneses.

"We're happy we got it in three sets, that brings us closer to the semifinals."

Valdez, who played her first full game of the season-ending conference, led Creamline with 13 points with all but one coming off kills and added 10 excellent receptions.

Jema Galanza filled the stats sheet with 12 markers including 11 kills, five digs and five excellent receptions while Michele Gumabao chipped in 10 points for the Cool Smashers, who outspiked PLDT, 45-35.

"Grateful because (we got the win). Out of town game is not an easy task for all the teams because flying in and flying out we also have trainings here. We wanna also thank the fans. We're very, very grateful we won in straight sets," Valdez said.

"Definitely it's a confidence booster coming into the next few games."

Creamline played catch up in the first two sets but were able to pull through late before taking full control of the third frame to hand the High Speed Hitterds their second straight defeat.

PLDT slid to a 5-3 card.

Filipino-Canadian Savannah Davison scored 14 points and 17 excellent receptions while Erika Santos had 14 for the High Speed Hitters.