CREAMLINE asserted its mastery of sister club Choco Mucho, 25-17, 25-22, 25-19, to underline its title credentials in a close race to the semifinals of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bea de Leon shone brightest in front of a 17,396-strong Big Dome crowd with nine points on six attacks and three blocks to extend the defending champions’ unbeaten league run to three.
The Cool Smashers’ straight-sets rout extends its win streak over Flying Titans to 12 victories in as many matches since the latter joined the PVL in 2019.
"We’re very, very glad that slowly our training has been showing in the game. We’re really happy na lumalabas. Sabi nga ni coach, this win we’ll take it today, tomorrow is another day. The job is not done yet. It’s going to be a long eliminations pa kahit one game nalang natitira sa amin, hindi magiging madali," said Alyssa Valdez who pitched in 11 points and 10 digs in the statement win.
Tots Carlos topped the scoresheets with 21 markers alongside a game-best 17 excellent sets from Kyle Negrito to lead a commanding charge for the Cool Smashers, whose semifinals bid will be decided on the last day of the elimination round.
Moreover, defense was key for newest Creamline ace Denden Lazaro-Revilla who neutralized Choco Mucho's red-hot offense with 17 receptions and a game-high 14 blocks led by Carlos with three and reigning best middle blocker Pangs Panaga with five.
Following a rare off-night for the league leaders, Sisi Rondina paced the defeat with 17 attack points alongside Isa Molde's nine markers and ten receptions. Deanna Wong only pitched five excellent sets in the one-hour, 28-minute contest.
In the context of the ongoing race to the Final Four, Creamline drew level with Choco Mucho atop the team standings at 8-2 (win-loss) with semis-seeking PLDT and also-ran Farm Fresh still to come for both sides respectively.
