It was a five-set Thursday at the PhilSports Arena as both games scheduled went the full route in the continuation of the PVL All-Filipino Conference returned. Let us recap the action:
Creamline Survives Zus Coffee in Massive Scare
The Creamline Cool Smashers had to dig deep on Thursday as they were taken to the hilt by the young but game Zus Coffee Thunderbelles. In the end, the defending champs got the job done, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, but not after their counterparts put up a gallant stand.
Alyssa Valdez and Bernadeth Pons scored 17 apiece to lead the Cool Smashers, who found themselves railing the Thunderbelles 12-11 in the deciding set. But two Jema Galanza kills sandwiched by Michelle Gamit’s error put Creamline at match point, 14-12. Another Gamit error ended Zus Coffee’s upset bid and gave the Cool Smashers their fourth win in as many games.
Kata Santiago spearheaded the Thunderbelle’s attack with 19 markers, followed by 15 from Thea Gagate.
Creamline will next take a long break before staking their unbeaten record against the Capital1 Solar Spikers on January 21 at the PhilSports Arena. Zus Coffee will also get a month-long reprieve and will next challenge the Choco Mucho Titans on January 18, also at the PhilSports Arena.
Choco Mucho Escapes Farm Fresh in Near-Upset
The Choco Mucho Flying Titans were on the verge of falling victim to a reverse sweep versus the Farm Fresh Foxies. Then, their veterans stepped up to salvage the five-set thriller, 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-27, 15-12, and level their record to 3-3.
With the match still very much up for grabs at 9-8 in favor of Choco Mucho in the deciding set, Sisi Rondina, Isa Molde, and Cherry Nunag connived to two the Flying Titans to the finish line, outscoring the Foxies 6-4 to seal the hard-fought victory.
Rondina exploded for 26 big points on top of 13 excellent receptions and 13 digs to lead Choco Mucho. Kat Tolentino added 18, while Molde and Nunag chipped in 10 apiece. Trisha Tubu led the Foxies near-upset, scoring a game-high 31 points and carrying Farm Fresh in sets 3 and 4. Caitlyn Viray, whose net fault ended the match, added 15.
Both Farm Fresh and Choco Mucho will take the rest of the year off and return to action on January 18 at the PhilSports Arena. The Foxies, who dropped to 2-3 will take on the Nxled Chameleons in the first game, while the Flying Titans will face Zus Coffee.
PVL All-Filipino Conference Continues
December 14, Saturday, will be the last playdate of PVL this 2024. The Chery Tiggo Crossovers and Galeries Tower Highrisers collide in the first game, while the Petro Gazz Angels and Cignal HD Spikers face off in the second match.
