Cool Smashers crush Titans

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline has never lost to Choco Mucho in 11 straight Premier Volleyball League games.

Make it 12 wins in a row.

Facing the specter of semifinal elimination, Creamline came through with a performance of its life and sent its sister team on its knees with a quick, merciless 25-17, 25-22, 25-19 win yesterday that catapulted it back to a share of the PVL All-Filipino Conference lead before a full-house Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was the dynastic franchise’s eighth win in 10 outings, which propelled it back to No. 1 alongside its recent victim, bolstering its chances in an ultra-tight semis race.

Tots Carlos continued to be a cannonball and bulldozed her way to a match-high 21 points including 18 on kills while skipper Alyssa Valdez and Pangs Panaga each scattered 11 hits.

But the job isn’t over yet as Creamline would need to beat PLDT (7-2) next week at the PhilSports Arena to preserve its long-held tradition of not missing the semis since joining the league seven years ago.

“Happy nakuha namin panalo by three sets pero syempre may isa pang game para ma-assure semifinals. Magtratrabaho muna kami,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

For Valdez, the win was more like an affirmation that they are slowly but surely getting back to their old deadly form.

“Aside from the boost in morale, I think it’s more of we’re really trying to find our way back most especially nag-struggle kami the early part of the conference, it’s really we’re bringing back the fire and hunger to win,” she said.

Earlier, Farm Fresh needed to survive a fierce third-set challenge in waylaying Strong Group Athletics, 25-10, 25-15, 25-22.

Trisha Tubu was the beacon of strength by firing a match-best 13 points while Caitlin Viray the ray of sunshine as she chipped in 11 hits for the Foxies.

It was Farm Fresh’s third victory in 10 outings that came as a breath of fresh air as it snapped a five-game slide.

“Regardless of our opponents, kailangan lagi bigay namin yung best,” said Viray.

Tubu said they hope to use this result as a springboard in their hope to compete with powerhouse Choco Mucho in their last elimination-round game Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena.