MANILA – Creamline Cool Smashers held off a gritty stand from the Akari Power Chargers for a 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18 victory in the PVL on Tour at the Chavit Coliseum in Vigan City, Ilocos Norte.
Michele Gumabao spearheaded the offense with 18 points, coming off 14 attacks, two blocks, and two service aces as the Cool Smashers moved to a share of top spot in Pool B.
Alyssa Valdez added 16 markers, from 13 attacks, two service aces, and a block, while Jessica Galanza and rookie Sheena Toring had 12 at 10 points, respectively, for the Cool Smashers.
The Cool Smashers pulled off a tight 27-25 win in the opening set, but the Power Chargers responded in the second frame before Creamline regained the upperhand with a 25-19 third set win.
A set away from completing the win, the Cool Smashers raced to a 13-5 start in the fourth capped by a booming Gumabao ace to turn away the Power Chargers for good.
“I think in our upcoming games, we’ll execute our attacks even better,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses after the win. “Also, it is also important for us to use our bench because we’re playing back-to-back.”
Gretchel Soltones top-scored for the Power Chargers with 18 points, while Celine Domingo and Negrense Christine Joy Soyud added 12 and 11, respectively. They dropped to a 0-2 mark.
Meanwhile, Cignal HD Spikers maintained their unbeaten record in the PVL on Tour after defeating the Capital1 Solar Energy Solar Spikers, 25-21, 25-22, 25-16.
Gel Cayuna shone with 27 excellent sets and five points to be named Player of the Game for the HD Spikers, who tied the Cool Smashers on top of Pool B with a 2-0 record.
Erika Santos led the way offensively for Cignal with 11 points, while Roselyn Doria-Aquino contributed 10 markers./PN
