MANILA, Philippines – The top two teams in the 2024-2025 PVL All-Filipino Conference maintained momentum after extending their respective win streaks.
The Creamline Cool Smashers romped to their 19th straight win since August 2024 after nosing out the gritty Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets, 25-15, 25-19, 27-25, on Tuesday, February 11, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“Our experience helped in the endgame, and we are thankful that we were able to push ourselves to win in the end,” Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said in Filipino after the game.
“The players responded well, and we got the breaks of the game in the third set.”
Jema Galanza played hero for the Cool Smashers — now 9-0 this conference — by scoring key points down the stretch as the team warded off their opponents, who looked capable of stealing the third set and force another frame.
Galanza scored the game’s final two markers, including the game-sealing service ace, as she ended up with 15 points built on 12 attacks, 2 aces, and a rejection.
The teams battled it out during the final frame, which saw 11 ties and even a late deficit for the league leaders.
Earlier in the second set, it was also a close affair before the Cool Smashers banked on a 6-0 run to pull away and take a commanding 2-0 set lead.
Meanwhile, second seed Petro Gazz dumped Capital1 in the first game of the doubleheader, 25-19, 25-18, 25-9, to extend its own winning run to seven straight matches.
Veteran Myla Pablo left her mark on the contest with 14 points which stemmed on 12 attacks, a block, and an ace as the Angels improved to 8-1.
“Since I am one of the players expected to perform, I needed to step up and also provide the leadership that my younger teammates and coaches expect to see from me,” said Pablo.
PVL Most Valuable Player Brooke Van Sickle backstopped her with 13 points, while adding 9 digs and 3 excellent receptions.
Capital1, which lengthened its skid to six straight, fell to a 1-9 slate.
Heather Guino-o fired a team-high 8 points in the loss, a game which just took 81 minutes to conclude.
Both winners are set to play once again on Saturday, February 15, at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, with Petro Gazz facing Galeries Tower at 4 pm, and Creamline fighting PLDT at 6 pm. – Rappler.com