The Creamline Cool Smashers advanced to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after a thrilling reverse sweep against the Cignal HD Spikers.
The Creamline Cool Smashers are back in the PVL Reinforced Conference Finals after pulling off a sensational reverse sweep against the Cignal HD Spikers, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, August 31.
This marks the third Finals appearance for the Cool Smashers in the Reinforced Conference after winning the title in 2018 and settling for silver in 2019.
In the fifth set, Cignal was the first to build a slim lead at 7-4 after by MJ Perez’s crosscourt hit and Ces Molina’s back-to-back kills.
But Creamline countered right away with a quick 3-0 spurt, courtesy of Erica Staunton and Michele Gumabao.
Tied at 9-all, the Cool Smashers had another crucial run behind the duo of Staunton and Gumabao.
Molina would stop the bleeding after her down-the-line hit to end a long rally in favor of Cignal, but Staunton came alive once more for a 13-10 Creamline lead.
Perez powered her way past the Cool Smashers defense for back-to-back attacks, cutting the lead to just a single point at 13-12.
Staunton then put Creamline at match point after her through-the-block hit, which was answered by Jackie Acuña’s quick attack.
But the Cool Smashers would not be denied of destiny, as Bernadeth Pons’ attack could not be covered properly by the HD Spikers, sealing the comeback victory.
Staunton finished with a career-high 38 points on 36 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
Pons likewise reset her career-high for the third time this conference, going for 28 points. She also had 17 excellent digs and 24 excellent receptions for a triple-double. Meanwhile, Gumabao added 10 markers for the Cool Smashers.
Creamline revived its hopes in the third frame after going on a 8-1 run to close out the set, with setter Kyle Negrito sealing the frame with back-to-back service aces.
Down 21-24 in the fourth frame, the Cool Smashers found a way to pull off the comeback victory to force a winner-take-all fifth set, which eventually went their way.
Perez had 32 points built on 27 attacks and five blocks in the heartbreaking loss for the HD Spikers. Molina and Acuña had 15 and 12, respectively.