The Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate winning their latest championship — the 2024 PVL Invitational Conference crown. -Marlo Cueto/Inquirer;Net
MANILA, Philippines—Creamline became 10-time PVL champions in the span of a week.
The Cool Smashers defeated Cignal, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13, to win the Invitational Conference and the league’s first-ever Grand Slam at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday.
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Previously, Creamline also won the All-Filipino Conference earlier this year and the Reinforced Championship just a week ago.
Youngster Erica Staunton scored 29 points, 26 of which came on attack, to lead Creamline to a historic win, while Bernadeth Ponce scored 27 points with 24 attacks, a pair of aces and a block.
Live Updates: PVL Invitationals Final-Creamline vs Signal
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The reinforced MVP also grabbed 13 excellent digs and 16 excellent receptions, making him an all-around success.
“It means a lot to be in this conference, na ang mindset lang namin pinangawakan talaga namin na matagal na kaming magkakasama and alam bawat is yung role nila,” said Kyle Negrito, who tossed in 25 excellent sets, referring to the team that played the majority of the games the past two conferences without its brightest stars.
“Young respect namin sa isat isa [was there] And I am proud of my team,” he added.
Pangs Panaga and returnee Gema Galanza scored 11 points each, with the middle blocker finishing with three blocks and two aces. Bea De Leon scored eight points and came up big at the net with four blocks.
READ: Creamline’s Michelle Gumabao becomes MVP of PVL Invitationals
Kayla Atienza did her part on defense with 19 excellent digs and 11 excellent receptions.
The Cool Smashers showed their experience in crucial situations and did not give up despite trailing by a set, taking the game to a fifth set.
And Creamline did not lose the momentum even at 8-8 and Signal too fought tooth and nail for every chance. A crucial mistake by Signal’s imported player MJ Perez handed Cool Smashers a 13-11 win.
Creamline Cool Smashers take on Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL Invitationals finals. -Marlo Cueto/Inquirer.net
Galanza brought Creamline to match point and despite a mistake from her sister Mafe from the service line and a cross-court from Perez, Galanza remained undeterred and punched the kill off the block for the decision.
Creamline won despite a dominant performance from Perez, who scored 42 points with 37 attacks, two blocks and three aces.
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Ces Molina and Jackie Acuna scored 10 points each, giving the HD Spikers their second silver medal.
