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Creamline reaffirms dominance over Akari in three sets
Creamline prevailed in the highly anticipated rematch of last season’s conference, trouncing Akari in straight sets, 26-24, 25-17, 25-16, to secure its second consecutive victory in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Candon City Arena on Saturday, November 23.
The Cool Smashers were boosted by the return of three-time MVP Tots Carlos, who made her first appearance since missing the import-laden event and Invitational Conference due to a knee injury.
Creamline took a 16-10 lead in the third set thanks to a 7-2 run led by Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons, who each had three and two points.
Bea de Leon would help the Cool Smashers gain ground, and Pau Soriano, a substitute, would kill block Faith Nisperos to complete the victory.
Photo Courtesy: PVL
"Of course, we are happy because we won yesterday, we won today. But the games are not over yet so we will try to improve our team," said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.
In the opening set, Akari rallied an 8-1 run to square the score at 24-all, erasing a seven-point disadvantage. Fifi Sharma's critical attack mistake, however, gave the Cool Smashers a match point, and Carlos' strong spike to end the set gave Creamline a 1-0 lead.
Galanza paced the Cool Smashers with 13 points, alongside five excellent receptions and four excellent digs. De Leon was efficient, converting 10 of her 13 attacks, adding an ace and a kill block to finish with 12 markers, while Pons chipped in 10 points and four excellent digs.
Creamline will have a nine-day break before going against sister team Choco Mucho in a rematch of the All-Filipino Conference Finals on December 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, after beginning the season with two victories, Akari suffered its first defeat in the all-local tournament.
Erika Raagas was called upon by Akari head coach Taka Minowa to fill in for injured Gretchel Soltones, one of the team's important players. In response, Raagas scored a team-high 11 markers and made six outstanding digs.
Ivy Lacsina and Nisperos only managed six and five points, respectively, while no other Akari player scored ten or more.
The Chargers will try to recover when they play Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena on Saturday, November 30.
