Defending champion Creamline made quick work of PLDT, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21, to secure the first semifinal seat in Pool A of the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Reigning conference Most Valuable Player Tots Carlos fired 22 points she collected from 17 kills, three aces and two kill blocks to lead the unbeaten Cool Smashers to their third straight win.
The Cool Smashers joined foreign guest clubs Kurashiki Ablaze of Japan and Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh of Vietnam in the semifinal.
“It’s a great win. Although we secured a semifinal slot. I think we still need to improve as a team and prepare for our next games. But I’m happy with our win,” Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
Carlos added eight receptions, Jema Galanza got 12 points and six digs while skipper Alyssa Valdez played her best game since returning from a knee injury with 11 points and eight digs for Creamline’s 97-minute romp.
Jia Morado-De Guzman tallied 22 excellent sets for Creamline, which committed only 17 errors. Michele Gumabao sat out for the second straight game due to a prior commitment.
PLDT absorbed its first loss in two matches.
The High Speed Hitters lost winger Jovie Prado in the second set after a bad fall. She finished with nine points.
Mean Mendrez led PLDT with 10 markers while Royse Tubino had seven.
