The Creamline Cool Smashers repulsed the tough challenge of the Farm Fresh Foxies to set their championship conquest in motion in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
The Creamline Cool Smashers start their title-retention bid on the right track after thwarting the upset-conscious Farm Fresh, 34-36, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15, in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
The reigning champion fended off the tough challenge of the Foxies, who snatched the marathon opening-set — the third longest frame ever played in league history, and the second since the league turned pro in 2021.
"Actually, yung first set namin hindi maganda yung simula. Pero yun nga yung sinabi ko sa kanila, kailangan maka-recover kami sa mga next sets kasi talagang napag-usapan naman namin yung Farm Fresh, talagang hindi sila basta-basta ngayon," said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
The Cool Smashers, who completed a championship-clinching sweep of the previous conference, have now stretched their unbeaten run to 16 matches.
Carlos spearheaded the offensive thrust for Creamline, putting up a game-high 19 points.
Jema Galanza displayed her all-around wares with 15 markers, 13 receptions and six digs, while Jeanette Panaga backstopped with 12 points.
Team captain Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao made their presence felt with nine points each.
It was an error-strewn performance for Creamline and Farm Fresh, both of which surrendered 31 miscues apiece.
The Cool Smashers, however, made all the difference in the scoring department with a 62-57 attack differential and a 11-3 block gap.
Trisha Tubu paced the losing side with 19 points, 10 of which came in the first canto.
Kate Santiago finished with 11 markers, while Chinnie Arroyo and Rizza Cruz had eight points each.
Creamline aims to carry over momentum when it faces Akari, while Farm Fresh tries to barge into the win column when it collides with Capital1 on February 29, Thursday, at the PhilSports Arena.