PVL Open Day 2: Creamline rolls, solid debut for Choco Mucho, PTA scores

MANILA, Philippines – The second play date of the Open Conference of the Premier Volleyball League saw Creamline notch its second win in as many games, Choco Mucho win its first ever official match, and Pacific Town Army knock Banko Perlas Spikers down a notch.

It was surprising that Creamline easily dealt with Motolite in three sets (25-14, 25-15, 25-14) considering the latter has talent. I am suddenly wondering about team chemistry for Motolite.

Godfrey Okumu used his three setters — Fen Emnas, Ayel Estranero and Iris Tolenda — but between the three of them, they only had four excellent sets. The Coolsmashers’ Jia Morado had 21 excellent sets.

Creamline showed how deadly they can be with Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, Michelle Gumabao and Pau Soriano contributing heavily.

Choco Mucho, on the other hand, sparkled in their debut rolling over BaliPure (25-12, 25-18, 25-18). 

This game was also special for Choco Mucho considering it was Manilla Santos-Ng’s comeback to competitive volleyball. And her first time on the floor, she scored on an ace! How big was that for her, her team, and volleyball?

And to think that Bea De Leon was not available for the match.

Kat Tolentino and Maddie Madayag led Choco Mucho that also got capable support from Shiela Pineda. 

Knowing Oliver Almadro, he isn’t satisfied as his team needs a bit more seasoning and chemistry.

BaliPure, for its part, struggled big time. Twenty-eight of their 48 points were earned meaning the balance came from Choco Mucho’s errors. Of course, errors are part of the game, but the Purest Water Defenders really need to add to that line-up.

Pacific Town Army showed during the Reinforced Conference that they are a tough team. And how else do they reinforce that notion when they knocked down opening day winners, Banko Perlas in four sets (25-23, 25-23, 17-25, 25-20).

It was a close match but Jem Gutierrez and Honey Rose Tubino were just too much for Banko Perlas (and to think that Jovelyn Gonzaga had a so-so game).

I thought that Banko Perlas had their chances but they also had crucial errors that hurt them.

At this point, most teams have played a game and they know what they need to adjust. The weekend matches will be interesting to watch as BaliPure and Petro Gazz try to rebound from their opening losses while Creamline looks to notch win number three at the expense of debuting Chef’s Classic.