Creamline draws best from Alyssa

MANILA, Philippines — Alyssa Valdez dished out a vintage performance as she powered Creamline to an emphatic 25-22, 25-16, 25-21 victory over PLDT Home Fibr yesterday to remain unscathed in two games in the Premier Volleyball League Invitational at the Filoil Flying V Centre.

Valdez did almost everything as she fired 13 points, all coming off spikes, and played superb defense with a team-high 11 digs to help the Cool Smashers stay claim their second win in a row.

This year’s Open Conference Finals MVP redeemed herself from a forgettable eight-hit effort in a 25-22, 23-25, 25-22, 25-20 triumph over Petro Gazz last Tuesday.

League MVP Tots Carlos helped their team captain in presiding over the carnage by unloading 17 points including 15 off attacks while Jema Galanza contributed 12 points.

Jules Samonte was the lone bright spot for the Power Hitters as she wound up with 10 hits. PLDT slipped to 1-1.

Thanks to Samonte’s quiet but consistent plodding, PLDT got a chance to steal a set as it led, 17-14, in the third.

But the power troika of Valdez, Carlos and Galanza along with setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, who had 18 excellent sets, went to work and willed the Cool Smashers back to snatch the set and the match.

“We expected them to be aggressive in the third set but coach told us to perfect the things we were told to do in practice,” said Carlos referring to mentor Sherwin Meneses.

In the other game, Cignal went to Ayel Estranero in the absence of starting setter Gel Cayuna as it bamboozled Chery Tiggo, 25-23, 25-16, 25-18, to stay perfect with three straight victories and on top.

Ces Molina paced her team anew with 16 points including 13 on spikes while Estranero kept the team together with her excellent setting as the HD Spikers continued its strong start.

It was also Estranero who delivered the decisive ace that sealed the deal.

The one-sided win primed the HD Spikers up against the only other undefeated team left this conference – the Cool Smashers – when the league visits Sta. Rosa, Laguna Thursday.

The Crossovers dropped to 0-3.