By ADRIAN STEWART CO
MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers banked on their deep well of experience to defeat Akari Power Chargers, 25-15, 25-23, and 25-17, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference knockout finals on Wednesday night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons spearheaded the attack with 19 points, on 14 attacks, five service aces, to go with 13 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs as the Cool Smashers nailed their 9th PVL crown overall.
“First (PVL) Reinforced Conference ko with Creamline, and masaya ako na nakuha namin ‘yung championship,” said the Talisay City, Negros Occidental native Pons, who was later hailed as the Conference MVP.
Reinforcement Erica Staunton backed up Pons offensively with 13 markers, on nine attacks, three blocks, and a service ace, while Michele Gumabao contributed 10 points in the victory.
Both teams traded leads early in the opening set before the Cool Smashers went on a huge breakaway behind consecutive conversions from Pons and Bea De Leon for a 25-15 victory.
The Cool Smashers took an early lead in the second set, but the Power Chargers forced a deadlock at 22-all before Creamline got a conversion from Jeanette Panaga, a service ace by Pons, and an Akari service error for a 25-23 win.
Creamline went for the kill in the third set as they jumped to a 12-9 advantage before widening it to 19-11 courtesy of attacks by Staunton. The Power Chargers rallied to within 15-22, but connections by Pons and Panaga sealed the crown for Creamline.
“Lahat ng championship namin pare-pareho lang, pero ito naiiba kasi madami kaming kulang,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses, referring to the absence of Alyssa Valdez, Diana Carlos, and Jessica Galanza.
“Kahit na ganun ang kinaharap namin, sa sobrang sipag ng mga players namin, nakuha pa din namin ‘yung championship,” he added. “Sana magpatuloy pa ‘yung achievements ng Creamline.”
Oluoma Okaro was the lone double-digit scorer for the Power Chargers with 14 points, on 11 attacks, two blocks, and a service ace, while Grethcel Soltones and Ivy Lacsina struggled with just nine and four points, respectively./PN
