In the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, the Creamline Cool Smashers demonstrated their dominance over sister team Choco Mucho Flying Titans despite missing several key players. The Cool Smashers started their title defense with a 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21 victory, showcasing the emergence of new heroes in Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao. The match took place in front of 14,014 fans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the absence of Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Kyla Atienza, and Ced Domingo, Creamline pushed forward and secured their ninth consecutive win against Choco Mucho. Kyle Negrito also had an impressive performance as the primary playmaker, filling in for Jia De Guzman. Negrito delivered 23 excellent sets along with three points, including two aces.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We’re happy because we won our first game. We’re grateful the breaks of the game went to us. Choco Mucho didn’t give up, but my players were able to pull through.”
Bernadeth Pons stood out in this game, showcasing her best performance in the PVL. She contributed 22 points, 11 digs, and seven excellent receptions, outshining her longtime beach volleyball teammate Sisi Rondina, who led Choco Mucho with 21 points. Michele Gumabao also played a crucial role with 20 points, including two aces. Jema Galanza added 11 points and 15 digs, while Jeanette Panaga contributed nine markers.
Creamline’s unpredictability in this conference became evident, with Valdez acknowledging that it can be an advantage. She commented, “I think that’s what makes our team different this conference, it’s very unpredictable. We don’t know who’s going to play because everyone deserves a spot on the team. I think that’s the beauty of the Cool Smashers, everyone’s really stepping up, whoever coach decides to play. So, I guess that’s a good problem for coach Sherwin and hopefully it becomes an advantage in this conference.”
Valdez played limited action in the last two sets, scoring four points. She made a significant impact in the fourth set when Creamline pulled away with a 22-17 lead, ultimately winning the set and the match. Despite a strong comeback from Choco Mucho, Creamline sealed the victory with a 24-20 match point.
Choco Mucho relied on Sisi Rondina and Caitlin Viray, who contributed 21 and 12 points, respectively. However, it wasn’t enough to secure a win against the dominant Cool Smashers. Libero Thang Ponce had an outstanding performance with 23 digs and 17 excellent receptions.
With this win, Creamline continues their undefeated streak against Choco Mucho since the team joined the league in 2019. The Cool Smashers’ impressive performance sets the tone for a promising season ahead.
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