MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers clawed back from a set down to rule the 2023 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference with a 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 win over Petro Gazz Angels in the do-or-die Game 3 last night at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Jessica Galanza led the way with 19 points, all from attacks, to go with 16 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions as the Cool Smashers completed their quest for seventh PVL championship.
Michele Gumabao added 18 markers, Diana Carlos and Celine Domingo had 16 and 12 points, respectively, Julia Morado-de Guzman had 18 excellent sets, while Kyla Atienza had 24 excellent digs for Creamline.
After dropping the first set, the Cool Smashers bounced back in the second frame with a 11-7 start behind attacks by Carlos and Domingo. The lead later grew to 18-12 on back-to-back attacks by Galanza.
The Angels, however, rallied back behind Gretchel Soltones to tie the score at 18-all but consecutive points from Galanza, Risa Sato and Gumabao allowed the Cool Smashers to close the set and tie the set score at 1-1.
From a tight exchange early in the third set, the Cool Smashers opened a 10-7 lead with attacks from Galanza and Domingo. The Angels forced a deadlock at 11-all but Galanza unloaded consecutive hits to give the Cool Smashers a 17-13 edge.
The Angels were still hanging around at 15-18 but the Cool Smashers pulled to a 20-15 edge following a connection by Galanza before they closed the set with back-to-back hits by Sato and a block from Gumabao.
With them closer to a coronation, the Cool Smashers opened the fourth set with four straight points. The Angels answered with back-to-back hits but Domingo and Carlos widened the advantage for Creamline at 12-6.
The Angels started to feel the pressure as the Cool Smashers pulled away further at 16-8 on blocks by Gumabao before sealing the crown with late connections from Domingo and Sato.
Soltones top-scored for the Angels with 17 points, all from attacks, while Negrense Jonah Sabete chipped in 11 markers, while Ilongga Aiza Maizo-Pontillas was held to just six points./PN
