MANILA, Philippines – Defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers overcame a tough Balipure team in straight sets, 25-19, 25-18, 25-23, in the Premier Volleyball League on Wednesday, June 12, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan. 

The victory kept Creamline at solo second with a 4-1 record at the end of the first round while Balipure remained winless in 5 games. 

Alyssa Valdez topped the Cool Smashers’ balanced scoring effort with 16 points off 12 attacks and 4 aces while making 10 excellent digs. 

The defending champions led all the way in the first two sets, but stumbled in the 3rd set as they trailed 2-8 by the first technical timeout. 

But the Cool Smashers erupted with a massive 7-0 run – powered by Thai player Kuttika Kaewpin’s back-to-back attacks and Risa Sato’s presence at the net – to nab a one-point lead, 11-10.  

Balipure still managed to take the lead at the second technical timeout, 16-14, and keep the scoreline close thanks to Menchie Tubiera’s third-set surge. 

Slovenian import Alexandra Vajdova dropped 17 points off 11 attacks, 3 blocks and 3 aces while making 9 excellent digs and 8 excellent receptions.  – Rappler.com