The Creamline Cool Smashers completed a historic grand slam, after defeating the Cignal HD Spikers in a cardiac 2024 PVL Invitational Conference final.
The first to ever do it.
The Creamline Cool Smashers complete the historic grand slam after taking down the Cignal HD Spikers in five sets, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13, to bag the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference crown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao on Thursday, September 12.
The Cool Smashers extended their record to 10 championships behind the heroic efforts of 22-year-old import Erica Staunton.
Tied at 8-all in the winner-take-all fifth set, Creamline went on a 3-0 run courtesy of back-to-back down-the-line hits from Staunton.
Cignal managed to cut the lead to a single deficit at 11-12 after MJ Perez’s off-the-block attack and kill block on Staunton. However, the Venezuelan import’s spike that would have tied the game sailed just wide.
Jema Galanza put the Cool Smashers at match point behind her crosscourt kill, before eventually sealing the championship with a cross court kill which the HD Spikers failed to cover.
Staunton finished with 29 points on 26 attacks on two blocks, and one service ace. Bernadeth Pons had another triple-double with 27 points, 13 excellent digs, and 16 excellent receptions.
Galanza and Pangs Panaga contributed 11 markers apiece en route to the championship. Kyle Negrito was named the Finals MVP after orchestrating Creamline's offense with 25 excellent sets.
Perez scored the most points in a PVL final with 42 markers on 37 attacks, two blocks, and three service aces, to go along with 11 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions.
Ces Molina and Jackie Acuña followed that up with just 10 points apiece in Cignal's second finals defeat.