Creamline Cool Smashers within the PVL Invitational Convention. –PVL PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Creamline dropped a set for the primary time this 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Convention however the Cool Smashers saved their cool and nonetheless took down the also-ran Akari Chargers, 25-19, 24-26, 26-24, 25-19, on Saturday at Philsports Area.
Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos sustained their fantastic play whereas crew captain Alyssa Valdez continued to point out flashes of her deadly type to finish a four-game Pool A sweep earlier than heading to the semifinal spherical.
Galanza led the cost with 16 factors on high of seven glorious receptions. Carlos delivered 14 factors as they head to the round-robin semifinal beginning Thursday subsequent week, dealing with the highest two Pool B groups and visiting Japanese squad Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh.
“Our crew’s tempo was a bit sluggish in at the moment’s recreation however a minimum of we have been challenged earlier than heading to the semis. I hope that we can repair our lapses after this spherical,” stated Galanza in Filipino.
Creamline’s Alyssa Valdez. –PVL PHOTO
Valdez, who recovered from a proper knee damage, had one other double-digit recreation with 12 factors and 9 digs.
“It’s good to really play full video games. With this stage of competitors, I’m simply actually grateful that I’m given this chance by my coaches to play,” she stated. “I’m simply actually grateful for the chance and once I play, I might actually wish to contribute to the crew.”
The Chargers, who’re already relegated to the classification spherical even earlier than their recreation, put up a gallant stand and dealt the Cool Smashers first-set defeat within the second body behind the efforts of Religion Nisperos and Dindin Santiago-Manabat.
Akari introduced the momentum within the third and reached set level behind the clutch assaults of Manabat, 24-22. However Celine Domingo refused to surrender and saved a degree adopted by two consecutive assault errors from Ezra Madrigal and Chiara Permentilla to steal the benefit, 25-24.
Galanza ended the set to regain a 2-1 match benefit and pulled away within the fourth behind the well timed hits of substitute setter Kyle Negrito, who scored three straight factors together with two aces to ignite a 7-0 run for a 23-16 unfold en path to a bunch sweep.
Creamline setter Jia De Guzman had 24 glorious units, as center blockers Domingo and Jeanette Panaga chipped in 11 factors every.
Manabat and Nisperos completed with 18 factors every, whereas Trisha Genesis had 10 factors, 12 receptions, and eight digs as they remained winless in three video games.
Akari will attempt to finish the group stage on a excessive be aware when it battles Gerflor on Tuesday earlier than heading to the classification stage.
Supply: sports activities.inquirer.web