Cool Smashers back as champs

MANILA, Philippines — The Creamline Cool Smashers needed a set to get into the groove.

When they did, there’s just no stopping them from going all the way to the top – yet again.

The Cool Smashers rebounded strong from a first-set defeat and fashioned out a magnificent 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 victory over the Petro Gazz Angels to claim the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference crown before 12,175 fans at the MOA Arena last night.

Down after another faulty, slow start, the Cool Smashers kept their composure and, finding their rhythm, strung up the next three sets to win the decider of the best-of-three series.

When Jema Galanza hammered in the final nail in Petro’s coffin, grafittis were fired all over the court as the Cool Smashers celebrated jubilantly with another glorious chapter in their dynastic reign in the league.

It was the franchise’s sixth title and 11th straight podium finish in as many conferences in an impressive stretch that also saw the Cool Smashers claim a couple of runner-up finishes and three third-place efforts.

Creamline also completed its revenge tour after it was denied a historic grand slam in last year’s Reinforced Conference where it ended up third in the tourney ruled by Petro Gazz.

“Pinanghahawakan namin ang relationship as a team,” said Creamline setter Jia de Guzman, who had 18 excellent sets.

It was De Guzman who unleashed the four horsemen of the Creamline apocalypse in Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Tots Carlos and Ced Domingo who fired 19, 18, 16 and 12 points, respectively.

After securing the biggest title of all, the Cool Smashers raked in most of the individual awards as Carlos emerged the conference MVP, her third in all.

Carlos was also named one of the two top outside spikers along with Galanza while Gumabao and De Guzman won honors as best opposite spiker and best setter.

The other awardees were Petro Gazz’s MJ Philips and Remy Joy Palma as best middle blockers and PLDT’s Kath Arado as best libero.

None though was bigger than De Guzman, who was later adjudged Finals MVP.

“I wouldn’t have done this without my teammates,” said De Guzman.

But it took a set before the machine of the volleyball gods got going.