Kyle Negrito and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a game against Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–Creamline booked a spot in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals with a 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 win over Choco Mucho on Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The defending champions looked in control early, taking the first two sets, but Choco Mucho rallied in the third, briefly leading 23-22 behind Royse Tubino’s backrow attack. Creamline held its composure, with Coco Schwan and Michele Gumabao delivering timely hits to close out the match in one hour, 18 minutes.
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“The team really performed and responded well today, especially our ousted hitters. They worked hard and so did our bench players. Teamwork helped us win today,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
Schwan led Creamline with 15 points, Gumabao added nine, and Tots Carlos, Pangs Panaga, Sheen Toring, Alyssa Valdez, and Lorie Bernardo combined for 24 more, highlighting the team’s depth. Playmaker Kyle Negrito, named Best Player of the Game, delivered 18 excellent sets and six points.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Coco Schwan during a game against Choco Mucho Flying TItans in the PVL Reinforced Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
“We know we can’t be complacent in the coming games. We need to work for every point, every possession. Our main goal is to execute our system properly, and we’re happy to have done that today, especially in straight sets,” said Negrito.
With the Flying Titans breathing down their necks, the Cool Smashers turned to their experience to fend off any attempts to extend the game.
“We know that if we let our guard down, Choco Mucho will take advantage. We worked hard for that,” Negrito added.
For Choco Mucho, Isa Molde led with 11 points, while import Marlee Smith and Royse Tubino added five and six points, respectively. But the Flying Titans’ late rally fell short.
Creamline improved to 5-2 ahead of the knockout quarterfinals, which begin November 24 at the Araneta Coliseum. Choco Mucho ends its campaign at 2-5.
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