Jema Galanza and the Creamline Cool Smashers turned back the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to take Game One of the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals.
Over a week after losing to Choco Mucho for the first time, Creamline made sure to get revenge and draw first blood in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday night.
The Cool Smashers overcame the tough challenge of the Flying Titans, 24-26, 25-20, 25-21, 25-16, edging closer to a successful title defense in front of 17,457 spectators inside the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jema Galanza emerged as the Player of the Game with 20 points built on 18 attacks and two blocks--along with 13 excellent receptions--for the defending champions, who moved on the cusp of their eighth league title.
Tots Carlos also poured a double-double of her own, putting up 17 points and 12 digs, while Bea de Leon anchored above the net with five blocks on her way to 11 markers.
Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez, Bernadeth Pons, and Michele Gumabao pitched in nine, eight, and seven points, respectively, as Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 19 excellent sets.
Creamline appeared to be in control early, holding a 23-20 lead in the opening frame. However, Choco Mucho rallied behind Deanna Wong, Sisi Rondina, and Maddie Madayag to turn the tide, clinching the set with a decisive 7-1 run.
Jolted to their senses, the Cool Smashers came back with renewed vigor, executing a stronger finishing kick in the second and third frames to reclaim the set lead, 2-1.
Come the fourth set, Choco Mucho sprinted to a 7-3 advantage, but Creamline whittled the deficit and forged a 14-all deadlock. The Cool Smashers then broke the game wide open, mounting a 21-14 cushion.
Galanza coughed out an attack error that stopped the bleeding for Choco Mucho, but she more than made up for it in the ensuing sequence to tip the scales back to Creamline.
The Cool Smashers never looked back from there, cruising to an all-important victory.
Rondina poured a game-high 27 points, all coming from attacks, to go along with 12 digs and six receptions.
Royse Tubino was the only other Flying Titan in double-digit territory with 15 points, as Isa Molde and Maddie Madayag scored eight and five, respectively.
Molde also had 13 receptions in the losing cause, while Wong fanned 13 excellent sets.
Creamline aims to finish off the series and claim the championship while Choco Mucho seeks to bounce back and keep its title hopes alive.
Game Two will be held on May 12, Sunday at the same venue. It will be aired on One Sports+ and the Pilipinas Live app.