The Creamline Cool Smashers got off to a winning start in their title defense in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference on Saturday, July 17, at the PCV Socio-civic and Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

The defending champions denied Sta. Lucia’s comeback in four sets, 25-18, 25-21, 25-27, 25-18, in their first game as a professional team.

Michele Gumabao led the Cool Smashers with 24 points off 21 attacks, 2 aces, and 1 block, while tallying 15 excellent digs. Team captain Alyssa Valdez chipped in 20 points off 17 attacks and 3 blocks.

Though the Cool Smashers had the upper hand in the first two sets, the Lady Realtors rallied from a 2-10 deficit early in the third set as Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and MJ Phillips led Sta. Lucia to tie the score at 22-all.

Sta. Lucia rode on their hot momentum after taking the 23-22 lead and prevented the straight-set victory.

The Cool Smashers, who were without head coach Tai Bundit, recovered from their third set loss to cruise to their 21st straight victory in the PVL.

“Iyong team naman naging ready naman sila sa game na ito,” said Creamline assistant coach Sherwin Meneses.

“Lumaban talaga ‘yung Sta. Lucia, ang lalaki eh, so talagang nagtulong-tulong lang ‘yung team especially distribution ni Jia, naging okay, nakuha ‘yung panalo.”

(The team was ready for this. Sta. Lucia fought really hard and they’re so tall, so the team needed to work together and Jia’s distribution was the key to the win.)

Creamline setter Jia Morado distributed 25 excellent sets and tallied 5 points in the victory.

Phillips led Sta. Lucia with 20 points off 14 attacks, 5 blocks, and 1 ace, while Pontillas tallied 11 points. – Rappler.com