MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers brandished its strength and experience as they overpowered Cignal HD Spikers, 25-20, 25-20, 25-16, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Saturday night at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
Michele Gumabao was named Player of the Game as she finished with 20 points on 19 attacks and one block as the defending champion Cool Smashers secured their second win.
“Nagkaroon kami ng palitan ng tao midway through the game, but I think the adjustments were just minimal because we really prepared our strategy and game plan beforehand,” Gumabao said.
“Every game is important to us because it is a quick conference, so every game and every point is a must-win for us,” she added. “Preparation talaga, and then we just did the execution during the game.”
With Kyle Negrito stepping up as the new starting setter, the Cool Smashers’ vaunted offensive game continued to flourish with Diana Carlos backing Gumabao with 10 and Jeanette Panaga finishing with seven markers.
Frances Xinia Molina fired 17 points but failed to draw the needed support as Vanie Gandler slowed down with six points, while Guimarasnon Jovelyn Gonzaga also limited to six points on her return for Cignal HD, which dropped to 1-1.
In the first game, the Petro Gazz Angels survived a tough challenge from the Quezon City Gerflor Defenders in the third set for a 25-11, 25-4, and 25-23 sweep for their second straight win.
Leading 17-11 midway through the third set, the Angels were stunned by a furious fight back by the Defenders to tie the score at 22-all courtesy of back-to-back conversions from Lhara Clavano.
The Defenders nearly took the lead at 23-22, but the Angels regained the point after challenging the referee’s call before Nicole Tiamzon banged in back-to-back crosscourt attacks to seal the win for Petro Gazz.
Tiamzon, who didn’t see action the first time out, finished with eight points. on six attack points and two aces, while Grethcel Soltones and Ranya Musa posted seven markers each as they improved to 2-0./PN
