The Creamline Cool Smashers remain in the title hunt after eliminating the defending two-time champion Petro Gazz Angels in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
The Creamline Cool Smashers will not be denied their 15th straight semifinal appearance after sweeping the erstwhile two-time champions Petro Gazz Angels, 25-23, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Tuesday, August 27.
In the third set, the Cool Smashers distanced themselves early on, building a six-point lead at 15-9 behind the efforts of import Erica Staunton and Bernadeth Pons.
All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle and Myla Pablo tried to muster a comeback for the Angels, who struggled with errors all night long, as they cut the lead to just three points.
Michele Gumabao fired back-to-back kills from the opposite side, extending the lead to 21-15, followed by Staunton, who found the line to bring Creamline to match point at 24-18.
Setter Kyle Negrito sealed the win with a one-two play after an easy over from Petro Gazz import Wilma Salas.
Staunton finished with 19 points on 16 attacks and three blocks, while Pons contributed 16 markers on 15 kills and one service ace. Gumabao added 11 in the semis-clinching win.
Salas and Van Sickle had 18 points apiece in the loss which eliminated the Angels.
The Cool Smashers will go up against the Cignal HD Spikers for a spot in the Finals on Thursday, August 29.