Creamline stays unbeaten, nears semis berth

Defending champion Creamline relied on its experience to turn back a feisty Nxled side, 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, and move on the cusp of clinching a semifinals seat in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Cool Smashers found the Chameleons a tough nut to crack despite the sweep, needing to rally from five points down in the opening set and a tight third frame to pick their eighth win in as many starts.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses lauded his wards' maturity in overcoming Nxled's determined resistance.

"Of course, happy that we're inching closer to the semis. But it remains a close race. I'm also happy with how we adjusted to the situation against a very competitive Nxled. Our players made the necessary adjustments especially in the first set," Meneses said.

"It did help that we have senior players in the team. We're able to recover in the first set."

Jema Galanza delivered another all-around performance with 14 points built on nine kills, one kill block and four aces including the back-to-back service winners to close the match for Creamline. She had eight digs and nine excellent receptions.

Tots Carlos had 12 markers including 11 attacks in two sets of play while Michele Gumabao smashed all of her 12 points on kills for the Cool Smashers, who outgunned the Chameleons, 46-29.

Creamline clawed back from a 17-21 hole in the first set with a closing 8-2 blitz that saw Nxled commit three costly errors including one that ended the frame.

The Chameleons threatened to extend the match after taking a 21-20 lead but Galanza ignited a 5-0 finishing blow including a pair of aces.

Jho Maraguinot was the lone Nxled player in double figures with 14 points she laced with 12 excellent receptions as the also-ran Chameleons fell to a 3-6 card.