Defending champion Creamline weathered F2 Logistics' fourth set storm before dominating the deciding frame for a thrilling, 12-25, 25-15, 23-25, 30-28, 15-7, win in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference semifinals Thursday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Alyssa Valdez displayed her vintage form and veteran composure to tow the Cool Smashers past the gritty Cargo Movers for a 2-0 win-loss semis carryover record.
Creamline quelled a blistering rally by F2 Logistics in the extended fourth set before dismantling its exhausted rival in the decider to remain unbeaten in the mid-season conference after five games.
After flirting with disaster in the fourth frame, the Cool Smashers raced to a 9-1 start in the fifth set capped by a Valdez hit that took the fight out of the disheartened Cargo Movers, who lost ace scorer Kim Kianna Dy midway in the fourth set nursing pain on her right leg and knee.
Valdez delivered at crunch time, scoring timely hits in the crucial stretch off the fourth set where the Cool Smashers squandered a 20-10 lead and even had to fend off a match point advantage to force a fifth set – the two proud teams third league head-to-head five-setter.
"Of course, F2 Logistics won't give the win to us that easily. Every conference, expect a tough battle between Creamline and F2," Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said of the win that served as his birthday gift.
"We're happy we got this win because every game in the semis is important," he added. "Thank you to the players because they didn't show signs of exhaustion although they were really tired. They delivered in the crucial point of the game."
Valdez finished with 17 points and eight digs, playing as a starter in the match that lasted two hours and 24 minutes witnessed by a 7,018-strong crowd.
Jema Galanza posted 20 points she collected from 17 hits, two aces and a kill block laced with nine digs, Tots Carlos hammered 17 attacks and two aces for 19 markers for the Cool Smashers.
Ced Domingo got 16 points while Jia Morado-De Guzman dished out 21 excellent sets for Creamline, which will take on Cignal on Saturday.
F2 Logistics behind Myla Pablo, Ivy Lacsina and Jolina Dela Cruz overhauled a 10-point deficit to tie the fourth set at 23 after a Carlos attack error.
Lacsina put the Cargo Movers at match point, 25-24, but the Cool Smashers fought back to take four set point advantages before Galanza set a fifth set with a kill.
Pablo had a game-high 27 points including 24 hits and eight excellent receptions, Lacsina had 13 while Dy and Majoy Baron finished with nine each for F2 Logistics, who tied Cignal with 1-1 slate.
The Cargo Movers battle PLDT on Saturday.