MANILA — Creamline Cool Smashers showed championship composure under extreme pressure, clawing back from the brink of defeat to outlast PLDT High Speed Hitters, 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10, and seize an early share of the lead in the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Bernadeth Pons delivered a career-defining performance, erupting for 28 points and anchoring Creamline’s gritty comeback as the Cool Smashers saved multiple match points in the fourth set before dominating the decider to force a tie with Cignal atop the standings.
Creamline stared at defeat in the fourth frame but held its nerve in a tense exchange, refusing to yield despite repeated PLDT attempts to close out the match. The Cool Smashers’ resilience paid off as they forced a fifth set, where they imposed control with sharper execution and steadier attacks to seal the victory after two hours and 20 minutes.
Pons was at the heart of the turnaround, delivering clutch hits in critical moments, including a decisive attack late in the fifth set that set up match point.
Jema Galanza provided crucial support with 17 points, many coming in the closing stretch, as Creamline found its rhythm when it mattered most.
Galanza helped the Cool Smashers create separation in the final frame, while Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos chipped in key contributions to keep PLDT at bay. Alyssa Valdez added 10 points, while Panaga, Bea de Leon, and Carlos tallied eight each in a balanced offensive display.
PLDT threatened behind Alleiah Malaluan’s 23 points and Savi Davison’s 22, with Kim Dy and Majoy Baron also stepping up. However, the High Speed Hitters faltered in the deciding set after failing to capitalize on multiple opportunities to close out the match earlier.
In the other semifinal match, Cignal Super Spikers opened their campaign with a commanding 23-25, 25-14, 25-11, 25-12 victory over Farm Fresh Foxies.
After dropping the opening set, the Super Spikers regrouped and dominated the next three frames to secure a 1-0 record in the single-round robin semifinals.
Erika Santos led Cignal with 21 points built on 20 attacks and one block, while Vanessa Gandler added 18 markers from 13 attacks, three blocks, and two service aces. Ernestine Tiamzon contributed 11 points in the win.
Trisha Tubu paced the Foxies with 13 points, while Honey Royce Tubino added 12 markers./PN
