By Christian Niturada

Creamline exhibited its superb playing style to eliminate Chery Tiggo, 25-14, 25-20, 21-25, 28-26 and secure its semifinal ticket in the 2022 Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, Thursday.

PHOTO: Premier Volleyball League

Creamline’s opposite hitter Jema Galanza notched a game-high 23 points on 21 attacks, spearheading the Cool Smashers to solidify their semis spot along with Cignal on a 4-1 win-loss card.

The Crossovers, meanwhile, completed the conference in last place with a 1-5 win-loss record.

Tots Carlos also dropped 20 points to support Galanza in the offensive end, while team captain Alyssa Valdez registered 16 markers and 13 digs.

“Okay naman yung naging game today, yung Chery talagang lalaban din talaga ‘yan. ‘Di basta basta magpapatalo ‘yan syempre pro na tayo ngayon e,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

"Hopefully, makakuha pa kami ng isang panalo bago mag-second round para maganda yung ‘pag pasok ng semis," he added.

With a lead of 23-19 in the fourth frame, the Cool Smashers made a string of mistakes that allowed the Crossovers to close the gap to one, 23-22, highlighted by kills from Mylene Paat.

Carlos then went on a fight back, launching a powerful spike from the middle to bring Creamline at set point, 24-22, but Valdez's vital attack error and another kill from Paat forced a deuce.

Every match point was won by the Cool Smashers in the extended set, but Cza Carandang saved the Crossovers' hopes twice until Galanza scored her 23rd point and Jia De Guzman aced to end the match.

“Lagi ko naman minimindset talaga kung anong kaya maibigay sa team - points man, depensa, receive, block or anything basta mapapadali yung team,” said Galanza after the game.

Despite losing, Paat took the driver's seat for Chery Tiggo as a lone player in double figures with 15 points on 10 attacks, three kills, and two aces, while May Luna contributed nine markers off the bench.

Edited by Kyla Balatbat