Games on Saturday:
(Filoil EcoOil Centre)
1:30 p.m. – PLDT vs Akari
4 p.m. – Foton vs Choco Mucho
6:30 p.m. – F2 Logistics vs Cignal

DEFENDING champion Creamline demonstrated their prowess by overpowering Gerflor, securing a commanding 25-18, 25-11, 25-12 victory in Thursday’s Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre,

The second and third sets showcased the fiery form of the Cool Smashers, leaving the Defenders in a reality check during their league debut.

With this win, Creamline improved to a 2-0 record in Pool A, following their earlier straight-set triumph over Chery Tiggo on the opening day.

After a relatively slow start, the team managed to recover and regain their momentum, thanks to the contributions of their players.

Coach Sherwin Meneses expressed satisfaction with the game, stating, “Siyempre, medyo nagsimula kaming mabagal pero nakabawi naman kami mula sa mabagal na simula. Talagang nag-contribure yung mga players kaya masaya kami sa laro na ito at nakuha namin ang panalo” (Of course, we started a bit slow, but we were able to recover from the sluggish start. The players really contributed, so we’re happy with this game and getting the win).

In another match, Choco Mucho made a triumphant return to indoor play as they dominated Farm Fresh, securing a convincing 25-14, 25-7, 25-16 victory in Pool B.

Tots Carlos delivered an impressive performance, finishing with 15 points, going 13-of-19 in spikes. Jema Galanza also contributed with 10 points, including two service aces, making her the other Cool Smasher to reach double digits. Ced Domingo stood out with three blocks, the highest in the match, contributing eight points. Jia de Guzman showcased her skills with three of her five points coming from the service area, along with 12 excellent sets for Creamline. Alyssa Valdez, who celebrated her birthday, took a supporting role as Bernadeth Pons, the Cool Smashers’ new addition to the conference, received more playing time and finished with four blocks.

Returning to indoor play after a hiatus since 2019, Sisi Rondina seamlessly resumed her form. The Compostela, Cebu native exhibited an impressive performance, tallying 14 points with 13-of-27 attacks and showcasing her versatility with five receptions, leading the Flying Titans to victory.

“Hindi po naging madali pero nagtiwala kami sa proseso. Nagtiwala kami sa isa’t isa sa tulong ni coach Dante (Alinsunurin) at sa mga coaches namin,” said Rondina, a two-time Southeast Asian Games beach volleyball bronze medalist.

Cait Viray, Rondina’s college teammate, was also solid for Choco Mucho with 13 points, while setter Deanna Wong had five service aces and two blocks for a eight-point effort.

“Good game for our team. Dinidiktahan yung laro namin sa service receive namin kaya tumaas ang porsiyento namin,” said Alinsunurin, as the Flying Titans recorded 40-of-91 spikes. “Every set talaga, nagdi-dictate ng tempo sa amin.”

Choco Mucho’s best moment was in the second set of the 73-minute contest, scoring the first 13 points and never looked back.

Trisha Tubu had a better effort in her second pro game as the former Adamson standout had seven points, as Gayle Pascual struggled all-match long.

Zam Nolasco and Kate Santiago each had four points for the Foxies, who dropped to 0-2 in their pool.