The Creamline Cool Smashers celebrated their ninth championship in the PVL after defeating the Akari Chargers. They defeated the Chargers in the PVL finals on Wednesday. -Marlo Cueto/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline put up virtually no struggle to clinch its ninth overall championship, beating first-time finalist Akari, 25-15, 25-23, 25-17, in the PVL Reinforced Conference finals at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday.
Conference and Finals MVP Bernadeth Ponce scored 19 points on 14 attacks and five aces and had an all-round performance with 12 excellent digs and 13 excellent receptions to lead the Cool Smashers to their second Reinforced crown, her first with the club.
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Creamline’s Erica Staunton didn’t have to work too hard, scoring 13 points with nine kills, three blocks and an ace, while Michelle Gumabao added 10 points thanks to Kyle Negrito’s 17 excellent sets.
Results: 2024 PVL Reinforced Final September 4
“The hard work of our players earned us this championship,” coach Sherwin Meneses said.
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Meeting the Chargers for the first time this conference, Creamline refused to handle Akari with caution and was relentless in dragging Akari back down to earth with their first loss in 11 games.
Olli Okaro’s 14 points were not enough to prevent Akari’s 10-game winning streak from being snapped. Grethsel Soltones added nine points.
Akari, who had managed to turn the momentum in her favor in previous marathon matches, was stuck in a corner she couldn’t escape for the first time this conference.
Read: PVL: Creamline’s best performance under Erica Staunton
After falling behind by two sets, the pressure mounted on the Chargers as Creamline took a 13-9 lead in the deciding frame.
Staunton, with a smart play, dropped the ball to Akari in an open spot on the field, extending Cool Smashers’ lead to 19-11.
Ponce unleashed a powerful combination game that got the crowd chanting MVP and Creamline’s side in full gear. Determined as steel, the Far East product stole an ace and Panaga landed a blistering strike to secure the Cool Smashers legacy.
Creamline carried the slogan MV-Ponce! #PVL2024 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/O4eonDrG6K
— Lance Agcaoil (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) September 4, 2024
But even after adding another gold medal to the team’s collection, Meneses believes Creamline can still be better.
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“We still have a lot of room for growth as our bench players are still young and I hope Creamline’s achievements continue,” Meneses said after his players led the club to success.
Creamline will look to keep its momentum going during the Invitational Meet.
