Creamline played in its usual element: Dangerous up to the last woman on the bench.
Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses put in different pieces on his rotation but still got the same dominating result as the defending champions crushed Gerflor, 25-15, 25-12, 25-10, to remain on top spot of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference yesterday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
In the second game, Akari keeps Farm Fresh winless, 21-25, 26-24, 25-15, 25-21, for its second straight victory.
Veteran winger Michele Gumabao led the scoring spree with 12 points coming off 10 attacks, one block and an ace in Creamline’s third win in as many games for the solo lead.
Meneses was able to empty his bench with 10 other players logging in points for the Cool Smashers, who kept the Defenders winless in three outings.
“We came in well-prepared as we tried to address our lapses from the previous game,” Meneses said.
“Whoever we play, we really prepared for them. I’m just thankful to my players who really worked hard today.”
The Cool Smashers were never threatened the whole match and started to take control of each set with fiery runs.
Creamline ignited a 10-0 run in the second set to break open a slim 13-10 advantage. It was all of the same in the third frame for the Cool Smashers.
Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza added seven points each in limited minutes of play while Bernadeth Pons and seldom-used Pau Soriano got six points apiece for the Cool Smashers, who hosted a block party with 11 kill blocks and peppered Gerflor with 44 attack points.
“Teamwork is the most important thing. We just have to follow our system and stick with our culture,” Gumabao said of the Cool Smashers lopsided win despite missing the services of now foreign-based setter Jia Morado-De Guzman and middle blocker Ced Domingo.
Victory remained elusive for Gerflor as it absorbed its eighth straight defeat overall since joining the league last conference.
Shang Berte and Menchie Tubiera finished with five points each for the Defenders. Jeanette Villareal had four for Gerflor.