Creamline books ticket to PVL finals

BACARRA, Ilocos Norte, Philippines — Creamline overpowered Petro Gazz, 27-25, 25-22, 25-16, yesterday to claim the first finals berth in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center here.

Tots Carlos unleashed a 20-point performance including 18 on spikes to power the Cool Smashers, who took Game One, 27-29, 25-23, 16-25, 25-17, 16-14, last Sunday, to a two-game sweep of the Angels and into the best-of-three finals unfolding tomorrow.

“It was a total team effort but Tots played really well for us,” said Creamline captain Alyssa Valdez.

Chery Tiggo, mewanhile, showed up with greater resolve as it hammered out a vengeful 25-18, 25-22, 26-24 victory over Choco Mucho and forced a deciding Game Three in their own semis showdown.

Dindin Santiago-Manabat went on attack mode and unloaded a match-high 19 points including 16 on kills while sister Jaja Santiago imposed her might and fired 13 points on eight kills, three aces and two blocks to help power the Crossovers to the Game Two win, knot the series at one game apiece and set up a decider today.

It was in stark contrast to Chery Tiggo’s disappointing 18-25, 22-25, 21-25 defeat in the series opener last Sunday when Santiago, who honed her skills playing in Japan, was held to conference-low nine hits.

“I just want to emphasize the ladies need to be more confident and they poured their hearts out for this match,” said Chery Tiggo coach Aaron Velez.

Velez said they would need to display the same form to have a chance in Game Three.

“We just have to work harder and I think whoever is hungrier, more aggressive will win and I think might have that advantage,” said Velez. “We just need to remain focused and take up from where we left off and continue fighting.”