Cool Smashers dominates Angels in All-Filipino PVL

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Alyssa Valdez tries to score against the defense of Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petro Gazz Angels. PVL PHOTO
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Alyssa Valdez tries to score against the defense of Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas of Petro Gazz Angels. PVL PHOTO

MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers marked its PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference debut with a dominant 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 win over Petro Gazz Angels on Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Jessica Galanza spearheaded the offense with 13 points to go with nine excellent digs and three receptions, while Alyssa Valdez made her return with four markers for the reigning champions Cool Smashers.

Creamline’s improved blocking was pivotal, with Bea de Leon and Lorie Bernardo anchoring a defense that neutralized Petro Gazz’s offensive threats, including Fil-American standout Brooke van Sickle, who was limited to 18 points.

During her Player of the Game interview, Galanza credited the Cool Smashers depth and adaptability, drawing key contributions from the bench to cover up for the absence of Diana Carlos due to an injury.

“We’ve grown through overseas training, which has helped us adjust to new systems and challenges,” said Galanza, referencing the team’s pre-season training in Taiwan recently.

Aside from Van Sickle, the rest of the Angels struggled with Remy Palma and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas emerging as the next best scorers with five points each and Jonah Sabete struggling for four markers. They dropped to 1-1.

Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers leaned on Gel Cayuna’s efficient ball distribution to defeat Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21, to start their campaign this conference.

The former Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws playmaker finished with 16 excellent sets to go with five points to earn Player of the Game honors for the HD Spikers.

Cayuna’s ball distribution has led to balanced scoring from Frances Molina, Roselyn Doria, Marivic Meneses, Jovelyn Fernandez, and Vanessa Gandler in Cignal’s straight set win.

Molina led the way with 14 points, Fernandez stood out with 11 markers, Doria and Meneses matched seven-point outputs, and Gandler added five points for the HD Spikers./PN

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