Créme de la créme

MANILA, Philippines — ‘Twas a Sunday Suspense Theater.

A five-set showdown that has the trimmings and chill of a thriller that was completed nearing midnight.

After the fire and passion of the encounter have been spent, Creamline has secured its reign over a fighting Choco Mucho for its eighth PVL title, 20-25, 25-20, 22-25, 25-22, 15-11.

A final like no other as the rivals dug deep into their arsenal, flashed unrelenting forms and heart before a record 23,162  fans who rooted on their seats for close to three hours, soaking in the fun and action of the gut-wrenching duel.

No other team sport except basketball could pack a huge venue like the Smart Araneta Coliseum with fans and supporters to underscore the great stride Philippine volleyball had made in years.

Momentum would shift at every turn with splurge of points with Creamline bucking the heroic stand of Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina with four Cool Smashers submitting double figures led by Jema Galanza’s 20 points.

The veteran Rondina would rise like an avenging angel as the Flying Titans fell behind, breaching Creamline’s defensive wall with 31 points.

But it was not enough to lead the Titans to the Promised Land.

And the dynasty lives on.