Alyssa Valdez and the Creamline Cool Smashers regained their winning form after taking down the Nxled Chameleons to boost their Final Four drive in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
Reeling from a heart-wrenching loss to Petro Gazz a week ago, Creamline returned to the winning track with a hard-earned sweep of Nxled, 25-22, 25-12, 25-20, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena Saturday night.
Save for a dominant second set, the Cool Smashers had to fend off the tough challenge of the Chameleons to stay in the Final Four hunt with a 7-2 record.
Alyssa Valdez put up 12 points, all coming from attacks, making sure that the defending champions emerge victorious in straight sets.
While Valdez provided the leadership, Tots Carlos took charge on offense with a game-high 18 points built on 14 attacks and four aces.
Jema Galanza pitched in a near double-double of 10 markers and nine digs for the Cool Smashers, who strung 17 excellents sets, to go along with four points spiked by two blocks.
Engaged in a 19-all deadlock in the decisive third, Lycha Ebon and Jai Atienza coughed out consecutive errors.
Cam Victoria tried to stop the bleeding for the Chameleons with an off-the-block hit at 20-21 but the Cool Smashers went on a 4-0 closing run, capped by Michele Gumabao’s back-to-back blows.
Nxled fell to 3-6, tied with Galeries Tower at the eight spot.
Ivy Lacsina was the lone double-digit scorer for the Chameleons with 10 points, scattering six attacks, three aces, and a block.
Jho Maraguinot and Victoria managed eight markers apiece in the losing cause.
Creamline now set its sights on league-leading Choco Mucho in a rematch of the Second All-Filipino Conference Finals on April 18, Thursday, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Nxled, on the other hand, Capital1 on April 23, Tuesday, at the PhilSports Arena.