MANILA — Alyssa Valdez delivered a commanding all-around performance as Creamline Cool Smashers survived a gritty five-set battle against Cignal Super Spikers, 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14, to secure a place in the PVL All-Filipino Conference qualifying round and lock in the No. 3 seed on Saturday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
Valdez powered Creamline with 22 points, 13 digs, and 13 receptions, stepping up in the absence of injured teammates Jema Galanza and Bernadette Pons, as the Cool Smashers leaned on experience and composure to outlast Cignal in a match that stretched over two hours.
“It was exciting toward the end, and of course we wanted to finish it strong,” said Valdez.
Creamline overcame adversity late in the fifth set after losing setter Jia de Guzman to an apparent injury. Trailing 6-8 at the changeover, the Cool Smashers mounted a crucial rally behind Tots Carlos, Dij Rodriguez, and Valdez to seize a 12-9 advantage.
Cignal refused to back down, with Vanie Gandler and Jewel Encarnacion leading a counterattack that tied the decider at 14-all, setting the stage for a tense finish marked by multiple saved match points from both sides.
Kyle Negrito then provided a timely spark, catching the defense off guard with a surprise attack that set up match point. Moments later, Bea de Leon sealed the victory with a decisive block on Encarnacion.
Rodriguez added a career-best 19 points for Creamline, while Carlos and Jeanette Panaga chipped in 12 and 11, respectively. De Leon finished with nine points, including four blocks.
The Cool Smashers closed the preliminary round with a 6-3 record, tying Cignal but settling for the No. 3 seed due to a lower point total. The Super Spikers secured the No. 2 spot behind PLDT.
Both teams are set for a rematch in the knockout phase, where a semifinal berth will be at stake. PLDT will face Farm Fresh in the other pairing.
Farm Fresh clinched the No. 4 seed after defeating Akari, while Nxled and Akari finished fifth and sixth, respectively, and will compete in the play-in stage.
Despite the loss, Cignal showcased its depth and resilience, forcing a deciding set after extending the fourth frame and saving multiple match points. Gandler led all scorers with 26 points, while Erika Santos contributed 16 and Encarnacion added 10./PN
