Creamline decimates winless PLDT for 24th straight win

The Creamline Cool Smashers displayed their most dominant showing yet in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference with a three-set decimation of the winless PLDT Home Fibr Power Hitters, 25-16, 25-12, 25-13, on Sunday, July 25.

With the win, the reigning Open Conference champions boosted their record to 4-0 and their undefeated streak to 24 straight games since 2019. Meanwhile, the Power Hitters look powerless still in the Bacarra, Ilocos Norte bubble with a 0-4 slate.

Jia Morado orchestrated her way to Player of the Game honors with 19 excellent sets and 3 points off 2 attacks and an ace.

Player of the Week runner-up Alyssa Valdez topscored with 16 markers, all off attacks, while Jema Galanza shored the defense with 13 excellent digs and 9 excellent receptions.

After setting the tone early with a first-set win, Creamline just rode the momentum all the way, starting with its first double-digit lead, 15-5, midway through the second set off a Risa Sato block.

Creamline ended up with a pair of double-digit frames, 25-12 and 25-13, in the second and third, respectively, as it mixed and matched its lineups to keep PLDT guessing.

Ced Domingo got a starting nod in this game in place of the injured Jeanette Panaga and drew praise from assistant coach Sherwin Meneses, who also got extended contributions from seldom-used role players like Pau Soriano and Rosemarie Vargas.

“I expected Celine’s contributions, since they all train the same every day. She had a great outing, and hopefully, the bench also continues to contribute well.”

No PLDT player reached double-digit scoring in the sorry loss as Isa Molde led the way with 7 points, all off attacks.

Both Creamline and PLDT are expected to play again in the next two days at least, but the league is expected to rework the schedule first to reintegrate the games of the returning Perlas Spikers. – Rappler.com