Creamline edges Choco Mucho to stay perfect

Creamline bounced back from a failed third-set rally against sibling rival Choco Mucho, 25-22, 25-20, 30-32, 25-20, in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, December 3.

The Cool Smashers, who were on the verge of winning the tournament with their third consecutive sweep, faltered in a thrilling third set before rallying in the fourth to force a tie with Cignal at the top of the rankings, both with identical 3-0 records.

"But of course, the Choco [Mucho] really, really won't lose easily. We know they will come back to the game so I just told the players that we should just enjoy ourselves, perform well so we can get the win," said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

"Let's not be pressured. It's just that, the [players] responded, because there are many [game] rallies, so it's really not just a battle, it's really endurance. So, it's good that we got the win," he added.

Trailing early in the fourth set, the Cool Smashers rallied late behind Jema Galanza and Bea De Leon with a crucial 5-1 run to break a 16-all deadlock and take a 20-17 lead.

Choco Mucho made an effort to surge behind Cherry Nunag and Royse Tubino, bringing the score down to 21-19, but essential contributions by Bernadeth Pons and Michele Gumabao, as well as mistakes from Des Cheng and Tubino, enabled Creamline to end the game with a 4-1 finishing run.

Galanza played brilliant overall, registering a game-high 24 points built from 22 attacks, one ace, and one block. She also served as the cornerstone of Creamline’s floor defense with 17 excellent receptions and nine digs. 

Gumabao provided solid support, backstopping Galanza with 22 markers anchored on 19 attacks and three blocks, while Kyle Negrito was instrumental in Creamline’s offense, putting up 21 excellent sets and added three points.

De Leon delivered 10 points, while Alyssa Valdez and Jeanette Panaga tallied eight markers apiece.

Creamline aims to keep their record unblemished when they face ZUS Coffee on December 12 at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Meanwhile, the Flying Titans fell to a 2-3 record after suffering its second straight defeat.

Sisi Rondina fueled Choco Mucho with 24 points on 22 attacks and two blocks, while also supplementing 11 outstanding receptions in the losing cause.

Nunag hammered 10 markers, while Kat Tolentino and Turbino each scored eight points.

Choco Mucho will look to end its losing skid against Farm Fresh, also on December 12.