PVL: Creamline’s unbeaten record at stake against Chery Tiggo

WITH their unblemished record on the line, the reigning champions Creamline Cool Smashers play Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League 2nd All-Filipino Conference tomorrow.

The Cool Smashers, who are now on an eight-game winning streak, defeated the Nxled Chameleons in straight sets, 25-23, 25-16, and 25-21, and have yet to lose a game since the conference began.

“Syempre masaya kasi lumalapit kami sa semis,” Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses explained. “Talagang sympre, medyo senior yung team namin. Kaya nila mag-adjust talaga. Naka-recover kami doon sa first set,” added the champion PVL head coach.

Meneses emphasized the significance of in-game changes for a veteran squad from their last game, which might also be crucial in the playoffs. “Yung adjustments sa situation kasi talagang lumalaban talaga yung Nxled so naka-adjust talaga yung players namin lalo na nung first set,” he went on to say.

Creamline’s Jema Galanza led the way with 14 points on nine attacks, four service aces, and one ace, as well as nine excellent receptions and eight excellent digs, while Michele Gumabao and Tots Carlos both added 12 points.

Meanwhile, the Crossovers have extended their winning streak to six while claiming the third semi-final spot available following a five-set thriller against F2 Logistics, 27-25, 11-25, 17-25, 25-22, 15-10. 

“Ito na yung character a bini-build namin, yung never-say-die attitude. Hanggang sa dulo, lalaban kami. But it’s also about team effort,” Chery Tiggo assistant coach Kung Fu Reyes said of his team’s exciting clash with F2.

“The pressure was on us since F2 Logistics has nothing to lose,” Jen Nierva, who had 27 digs and 21 receptions, stated, “Naniwala lang ako sa mga teammates ko at nakahanda naman kami sa kahit anong ibigay ng F2.”

Mylene Pat and Eya Laure combined for 40 points in the victory, propelling the Crossovers to their second straight comeback from two sets down, this time to join the Final Four for the first time since the 2022 Reinforced Conference.

One winning streak will come to an end on Tuesday, when the defending champions play their co-semis-bound opponent Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 6:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, in what some perceive as a preview of the PVL All-Filipino finals.

Farm Fresh Foxies, on the other side, will seek to keep Galeries Tower Highrisers winless when they kick off the triple header at 2:00 p.m. Following that, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans will seek to continue their strong play against the winless Gerflor Defenders at 4:00 p.m.