MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers handed Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors their first defeat, 25-18, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18, in this year’s Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference on Saturday at the Socio-Civic Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Michelle Gumabao top-scored for the defending champions Cool Smashers with 24 points on 21 attacks, two service aces, and a block while completing her double-double with 15 excellent digs.
Alyssa Valdez dropped 20 points, built on 17 attacks and three blocks, while Julia Morado made 25 excellent sets to go with four service aces for Cool Smashers, which recorded their 21st consecutive win dating back to the 2019 Open Conference.
After failing to close out the Lady Realtors in the third set, Gumabao led the Cool Smashers’ uprising in the fourth set with consecutive attack points to post an 18-9 advantage.
However, the Lady Realtors clipped the deficit to 16-22 behind points by Marjana Philips. The Cool Smashers then went for the kill with Gumabao drilling back-to-back hits before Jeanette Panaga sealed the triumph with a running attack.
Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas tallied 11 points on nine attacks and two from the service line, while Jovielyn Prado provided the spark off the bench with eight points and 16 excellent receptions for the Lady Realtors.
On the other hand, Chery Tiggo Crossovers kicked off their professional volleyball campaign on a winning note as they took down PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters in straight sets, 25-20, 25-17, 25-6.
Sisters Jaja Santiago and Dindin Santiago-Manabat were at the forefront of offense for the Crossovers as they dominated the Power Hitters in each of the three sets for an easy victory.
Santiago-Manabat tallied 12 points, built on 10 attacks, a block, and an ace, while Santiago contributed 11 markers on seven attacks and four service aces for Chery Tiggo./PN
