CREAMLINE got a lifeline in its ‘drive-for-five’ by asserting its mastery of Akari, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, in the 2024-25 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals on Tuesday at the Philsports Arena.
The pink shirts went on a 17-6 tear to end the second frame to build an unassailable lead all the way to the end, keeping their championship hopes alive.
Bernadeth Pons' response to a crushing first semis loss to Petro Gazz? A triple-double in just three sets.
"Isa rin talaga sa motivation namin ‘yung game na ‘yun eh kasi alam namin sa sarili namin na hindi ganun ‘yung laro namin, mas kaya pa kaming ilabas kung ano talaga game namin. Extra motivation din ‘yung pagkatalo namin last game na mas igihan pa namin," Pons said.
The reigning Reinforced Conference MVP chalked up 17 points, 15 receptions and 12 digs, backed by another middle-blocker standout game from Pangs Panaga with 13 markers.
This marked Creamline’s eighth win over Akari in as many matches since the latter’s PVL entry back in 2022.
Champs respond with some Cool Smashing
It was a much-needed response for the embattled defending champions after a tough semis-opening four-set loss to Petro Gazz in Antipolo.
In doing so, the Cool Smashers avoided losing back-to-back games for the first time since their last two outings in the 2023 Invitational Conference at the hands of Japanese guest team Kurashiki Ablaze.
That conference remains Creamline’s most recent championship defeat, having won the next four conferences along with the sport’s first Grand Slam run since.
Both teams now share identical 1-1 records, ending the Chargers’ four-game unbeaten run since the end of prelims play.
Coming off a career-high 34-piece in five sets against Choco Mucho, Eli Soyud was held to just 11 this time.
Ivy Lacsina had her best two-way game in a while with eight points, eight digs and 11 recpetions ahead of Faith Nisperos' seven markers.
Semis action will come to a close in a high-stakes finish on Thursday at the Big Dome in which Akari takes on Petro Gazz (4 p.m.) before the 18th ‘Rebisco Clasico’ between Creamline and Choco Mucho unfolds (6:30 p.m.).
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