MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers moved closer to the title after a 25-21, 20-25, 25-21, 25-19 win over PayMaya High Flyers in Game 1 of the Premier V-League finals at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Thai import Kuttika Kaewpin led the charge with 19 points while Alyssa Valdez added 18 markers – on 15 attacks, two blocks and a service ace – for Cool Smashers Sunday night.
Creamline can clinch the franchise’s first-ever V-League championship in Game 2 on Wednesday.
Cool Smashers went aggressive in the first set for a 16-10 lead on hits from Valdez and Kaewpin. High Flyers rallied to within 20-22 but conversions from Kaewpin and Lauda Schaudt sealed the set for Creamline.
After losing the second set, Cool Smashers struggled early in the third frame before regaining its form for a 20-16 lead. High Flyers tried to rally back but a hit from Kaewpin clinched the set for Cool Smashers.
Sensing victory, Cool Smashers waxed hot in the fourth set for an 18-13 advantage on a backrow attack by Valdez. High Flyers had its last push but Kaewpin and Valdez was there to thwart the opponent’s rally.
“It was really important for us to play with a lot of energy,” said Valdez. “Ang motivation talaga was just to keep going every set. Everyone really stepped up, which was important kasi, knowing PayMaya, they aren’t going to give up.”
Tess Rountree top-scored with 26 points while Grethcel Soltones finished with triple-double 11 markers, 14 digs and 20 excellent receptions for High Flyers, which hopes to force a do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday.
Meanwhile Pocari Sweat-Air Force Lady Warriors moved closer to bagging the third-place trophy with a 25-22, 17-25, 16-25, 26-24, 15-11 win over BanKo-Perlas Lady Spikers./PN
