Creamline celebrates during a match against Akari at the PVL All-Filipino Conference in Candon, Ilocos Sur. – PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines – Tots Carlos returned and Creamline dominated Akari. 26-24, 25-21, 25-18, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
Midway through the first set, Carlos contributed a single point with a long ball and ended the set with four points.
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Creamline’s depth proved crucial as the Cool Smashers went 2-0 at the top of the table with the Cignal HD Spikers and PLDT High Speed Hitters.
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The Chargers, who had won their first two games, fell to 2-1 and shared second place with the Petro Gazz Angels, who had previously defeated the Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets.
Creamline demonstrated its mastery over Akari, whom it defeated in last season’s finals to capture the Reinforced Conference crown and complete a historic Grand Slam in the Invitationals.
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A crowd of 7,281 erupted in cheers as Carlos and Alyssa Valdez checked into the game. Despite their limited roles, key contributions from veterans like Rose Vargas, Pangs Panaga and Pau Soriano helped Creamline overcome Akari’s rallies in the hour-long, 35-minute PVL on Tour match.
Soriano delivered two decisive goals towards the end of the game, the last of which brought Creamline to match point. The Cool Smashers sealed the win with a kill block on Akari’s Faith Nisperos.
Michelle Cobb of Akari praised the turnout and marveled at the growing popularity of the sport of volleyball.
“We managed to play volleyball. “Sana makaulit kami dito,” Cobb said, thanking fans from Candon and surrounding towns.
Valdez also expressed his gratitude in the local dialect and acknowledged the crowd’s overwhelming support.
Jema Galanza led Creamline with 13 points, complemented by four outstanding digs and five receptions. But the evening belonged to Bea de Leon, who shined with 12 points, including 10 attacks, and played a crucial role in the third set to secure victory – and the game’s highest honor.
“The team’s mindset is to keep small balls as that was the key to all our games,” de Leon said, echoing Valdez’s recommendation. “Personally, I’m just enjoying the game – my knees are healthy and Tots and Ate Aly are back.”
READ: PVL: Creamline begins search for No. 5 spot
While Akari made valiant comebacks, mistakes in crucial moments and Creamline’s firepower made the difference.
Bernadeth Pons added 10 points while Michele Gumabao contributed four in a two-set stint. Six other Cool Smashers scored, highlighting the strength of the team.
Panaga finished the game with four points, while Soriano and Vargas contributed three points each.
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Akari missed injured batsman Grethcel Soltones and relied heavily on Erika Raagas, who scored 11 points. However, Eli Soyud, Ivy Lacsina and Nisperos struggled with offensive play and settled for a total of 18 points.