Games tomorrow:
(Philsports Arena)
2 p.m. – Cignal vs Nxled
4 p.m. – Akari vs PetroGazz
6 p.m. – Chery Tiggo vs F2 Logistics

MANILA — Creamline faced some tense moments in the first and third sets but managed to triumph over Nxled with scores of 25-23, 25-16, 25-21, extending their flawless record to eight matches in the Premier Volleyball League Second All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena.

Jema Galanza contributed 14 points, including consecutive service aces that concluded the Cool Smashers’ straight-set victory over the Chameleons, virtually securing their spot in the semifinals.

“Lumalaban talaga yung Nxled, so naka-adjust agad yung player namin, lalo na yung sa first set. So siyempre, medyo senior yung team namin, kaya nilang mag-adjust talaga. Naka-recover kami doon sa first set,” shared Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

In an earlier match, Akari kept their slim semifinal hopes alive by sweeping Galeries Towers with scores of 25-14, 25-21, 25-19.

Galanza, who also recorded nine receptions and eight digs, expressed satisfaction that her team demonstrated remarkable composure to rectify their lapses in the match. This experience serves as a learning curve for the Cool Smashers as they approach their last three assignments.

“Kahit may pagkukulang, nakita naman din talaga kung gaano ka-solid ang team kasi talaga nagtiyaga kami sa first set. Doon kami talaga nasubok kasi madami pang games na ganoon ang mangyayari,” said Galanza.

“Thankful pa rin kami sa ganoong pangyayari kasi nakita namin kung ano ang kaya naming gawin,” she added.

Tots Carlos added 12 points, while Michele Gumabao went 12-of-23 spikes for Creamline, which next face Chery Tiggo on Tuesday.

The Chameleons, who drew 14 points and 12 receptions from Jho Maraguinot, fell to 3-6.

Fifi Sharma had 10-of-17 attacks and two blocks to finish with 12 points while Faith Nisperos also logged 12 points and collected nine digs for the Chargers.

Erika Raagas scored three of her nine points from Akari and had 10 receptions while Dindin Santiago-Manabat also had nine points, including two service aces.

The Chargers’ semifinals fate is not entirely in their hands.

Akari will next face PetroGazz tomorrow, as the Chargers and the Angels will break their tie at 5-4, with the loser getting the boot.

Creamline will be Akari’s final preliminary round opponent on Nov. 30.

“Step by step, we’ll prepare for the next one starting today. We’re studying them already since last week,” said coach Jorge Souza de Brito when asked how his Chargers will approach their remaining games.

“Of course, it will be hard but their mindset is always fight together because you know, alone will do nothing so these guys know how we will proceed during the week,” he added.

Cignal, which has a 6-5 mark, will eliminate Akari if it wins in any of its last two prelims matches against Nxled tomorrow and Gerflor on Nov. 30.

Ysa Jimenez had three blocks for a 11-point effort, while Andrea Marzan also scored 11 points, including two service aces, for the Highrisers.

Galeries Tower fell to 0-8 to level with Gerflor at the bottom of the 12-team field.