PVL: Jema Galanza, Creamline repulse Petro Gazz, keep title-retention hopes alive

With the return of Tots Carlos and the heroics of Jema Galanza, the Creamline Cool Smashers took down the streaking Petro Gazz Angels, 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24, to keep their title-retention hopes alive in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena on Thursday.

The defending champions bounced back from a heart-wrenching loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Tuesday, regaining their winning form to stay in the running for a Finals berth with a 1-1 record in the round-robin playoffs.

Petro Gazz was poised to extend the match to a decider after holding a 24-22 lead in the fourth set. However, Galanza nailed a hit that went off the block before Jonah Sabete botched an attack attempt, forging a stalemate at 24.

With an opening in sight, Galanza took over as she pummeled two consecutive blows that iced the game for good.

Galanza emerged as the Player of the Game with 23 points built on 20 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. She also collected 16 digs and 14 receptions for a spirited triple-double outing.

Carlos, who was coming off the 2024 Korean V-League (KOVO) Women's Asian Quota Tryouts in Jeju, South Korea, made her presence felt with 21 markers on 17 spikes, three blocks, and one ace.

Jeanette Panaga and Alyssa Valdez pitched in 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Kyle Negrito churned out 26 excellent sets.

On the other hand, the all-around efforts of Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete went down the drain.

Van Sickle poured 22 points, 13 digs, and 13 receptions while Sabete delivered 22 markers, 19 receptions, and 10 digs in the losing cause.

MJ Phillips also saw her 17-point showing spiked by seven blocks go for naught.

Both Creamline and Petro Gazz aim to clinch a Finals berth on the final day of the semifinals on May 5, Sunday. The Cool Smashers take on the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, while the Angels face off against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.