Cool Smashers, Titans shoot for 2nd win

MANILA, Philippines — Sibling rivals Creamline and Choco Mucho face separate opponents today hoping to gain steam ahead of their anticipated Valentine’s Day matchup in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.

The Cool Smashers and the Flying Titans, winners of their opening matches, battle the Cignal HD Spikers and the Petro Gazz Angels, respectively, at the Filoil EcoOil Center.

Creamline, the defending champion, routed old rival Petro Gazz, 25-18, 25-20, 25-22, while Choco Mucho was as lethal in turning back Akari, 25-15, 25-20, 25-20, last Saturday at the Big Dome.

The Jonathan Ng-owned franchises showed balanced attacks and rock-solid defenses in overpowering their respective foes.

For Creamline, Michele Gumabao, Ced Domingo, Tots Carlos and Jeanette Panaga starred with 13, 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively, while Choco Mucho drew strength from Maddie Madayag, Kat Tolentino, skipper Bea de Leon and Isa Molde, who combined for 43.

Choco Mucho’s triumph was special for new coach Dante Alinsunurin and Madayag, who played her first full game since injuring her knee two years ago in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte. “Masaya ako nanalo ako sa first game,” said Alinsunurin.

ko for Choco Mucho, sa PVL,” said Alinsunurin, who made his way into the pros after steering the national men’s team to a historic silver in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

“I’m so thankful to the coaching staff for giving me confidence,” said Madayag, who was adjudged Player of the Game.

Creamline and Choco Mucho share the lead with F2 Logistics, which edged PLDT, 25-22, 25-21, 14-25, 20-25, 16-14, and Chery Tiggo, a 27-25, 25-19, 25-22 winner over Cignal Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.

But if they keep their winning ways, expect the Cool Smashers and the Flying Titans to generate more buzz and possibly break, if not match, the league-record of 19,000-plus the two set when they last faced each other last November at the MOA Arena.