Creamline stays alive

MANILA, Philippines — Almost everybody was already predicting the end of Creamline’s dynastic reign with the meteoric rise of rival teams including the vastly improved and deeply talented Petro Gazz side.

Not yesterday though.

With incredible resilience, the Cool Smashers clawed back and beat the high and mighty Angels in a gripping 27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24 victory yesterday to live for another day in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals at the PhilSports Arena.

Jema Galanza was the heart that kept on beating for Creamline, willing her team back from critical deficits in the last two sets and into their first win in two starts.

“Nanginginig po ako ngayon, hindi ko ma-explain nararamdaman ko,” said Galanza moments after her electrifying 23-point effort that included three power, bazooka-like kills late in the fourth set when Creamline survived two set points.

It was more of Creamline soothing its broken heart following a 13-25, 19-25, 25-21, 25-20, 18-16 defeat to younger sibling Choco Mucho Tuesday than a case of trying to stay alive for a fourth straight finals appearance and a league-record 11th overall.

If Creamline, which tackles Chery Tiggo in the final semis play date Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, eventually advances to the best-of-three finale, it will shoot for an eighth championship, another league mark.

Creamline wouldn’t give up on that bid versus Petro Gazz, delivering the fight of its life and the comeback to remember.

The Cool Smashers got the needed boost from Tots Carlos, who returned in time yesterday after missing the first semis game following her stint in the Korean V-League rookie combine. She scattered 21 hits.

Pangs Panaga chipped in 11 while team captain Alyssa Valdez added 10.