JUST GOT LUCKY: Creamline dodges bullet, nips ZUS Coffee
‘It’s something that we’re proud of also because it extended into five sets.’
Alyssa Valdez of Creamline challenges the defense of Jovelyn Gonzaga of Zus Coffee during their PVL All-Filipino Conference game last night at the Philsports Arena. The Cool Smashers prevailed, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PVL
Creamline played with fire and almost got burned.
The defending champions averted disaster in a 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, escape over upset-conscious ZUS Coffee to stay unbeaten and move up to a share of the lead in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Cool Smashers displayed composure and grace under pressure, coming back from a 9-11 deficit in the deciding frame with a closing 6-2 run for their fourth straight win in as many outings.
Creamline wrapped up its successful year that saw the squad complete a historic grand slam in the previous season in a share of the top spot with idle Cignal.
Veteran winger Alyssa Valdez played her best game in the season-opening conference, pounding down 16 of her 17 points off attacks in three sets of action for the Cool Smashers, who squandered a 2-1 match lead.
“It’s something that we’re proud of also because it extended into five sets. But knowing ZUS Coffee, they really brought their A-game today. They played so well and we’re just happy and blessed that we won in today’s game,” the former three-time Most Valuable Player said.
“It’s anybody’s ball game during that fifth set. Luckily, we got it.”
Bernadeth Pons added 17 points, 16 coming off kills, and had 11 excellent receptions, Jema Galanza dropped a triple-double of 15 points, 12 digs and 12 receptions while Michele Gumabao contributed with 14 points for Creamline.
Kyle Negrito dished out 20 excellent sets to help the Cool Smashers score 72 attack points.
ZUS Coffee carried the momentum of its convincing fourth set win into the deciding frame, putting up a two-point separation, 11-9, on a Kate Santiago kill.
The Cool Smashers tied it at 11 after an attack miscue by Thunderbelles middle Thea Gagate. Creamline got the first taste of the lead, 13-12, after a Michelle Gamit attack error.
Chai Trongcoso knotted it at 13 before Galanza pushed the Cool Smashers at match point.
Gamit then committed the last of the Thunderbelles’ 27 errors that ended the two-hour, 27-minute encounter.
ZUS Coffee absorbed its second straight defeat for a 2-3 slate.
Santiago scored 19 points on 13 kills, five kill blocks and an ace on top of 14 excellent receptions to lead the Thunderbelles. Gagate, the overall top pick, added 15 points, Trongcoso got 13 while Gamit and Jovelyn Gonzaga added 11 points each for ZUS Coffee.