August 27, 2024

Jema Galanza, Creamline win five-set classic over Choco Mucho to retain PVL All-Filipino Championship

Jema Galanza, Creamline win five-set classic over Choco Mucho to retain PVL All-Filipino Championship
In front of a mammoth crowd of over 23,000 people, the Cool Smashers reign supreme once again. Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
Unless truly and definitively proven otherwise, the Creamline Cool Smashers are the gold standard in the Premier Volleyball League, vulnerable or not.

Creamline completed a successful title defense in the 2024 All-Filipino Conference, claiming an unprecedented 8th league championship on Sunday night.

The Cool Smashers rose to the top of the heap after breaking the hearts of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans anew, 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11, in Game 2 of the Finals in front of 23,162 spectators inside the fabled Smart Araneta Coliseum.

 

 
Nearly five months after securing a golden sweep in the 2023 Second All-Filipino Conference, Creamline once again thwarted Choco Mucho's quest for a title breakthrough, securing its sixth All-Filipino or Open crown in the process.

The Cool Smashers showcased their championship mettle in the face of adversity, mounting a stirring comeback from a set down and drawing upon their unwavering determination to repel the spirited challenge posed by the Flying Titans.

 


The defining moment of the series unfolded in the late stages of the fifth set, where both teams traded blows as Jema Galanza propelled Creamline ahead, 12-10, only for Cherry Nunag to swiftly counter with a hit for Choco Mucho.


However, that would prove to be the final point for the Flying Titans. Bernadeth Pons delivered two consecutive hits to propel the Cool Smashers to match point before Bea de Leon, the former Choco Mucho captain, sealed the title for Creamline with a resounding hit.


Galanza emerged as the Finals MVP with a double-double effort of 20 points, all coming from attacks, and 16 receptions.

 


Pons also made her all-around presence felt with 17 points, 15 receptions, and nine digs, while Tots Carlos, who also came up big in the pressure-packed fourth and fifth sets, delivered 16 points.


Pangs Panaga pitched in 13 points, while Michele Gumabao and de Leon supplemented seven markers apiece.


Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense to the tune of 23 excellent sets for the Cool Smashers, who drew 20 digs from Kyla Atienza.


Creamline indeed displayed the full extent of its formidable arsenal, yet Choco Mucho met the challenge head-on and mounted a valiant stand.


Sisi Rondina poured 31 points on 28 attacks, two blocks, and ace, to go along with 10 digs, while Royse Tubino put up 20 markers anchored on 16 spikes and four denials.


Nunag finished with 14 points, Maddie Madayag scored 10 markers, and Isa Molde had 10 points and 18 receptions.




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