Creamline survives five-set grind

MANILA, Philippines —  Creamline, load managing Tots Carlos, survived a feisty ZUS Coffee, 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13, yesterday to catch Cignal at the helm of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The Cool Smashers nearly got punished for resting Carlos, one of their best, if not their best, and had to parry every attempt by the Thunderbelles to pull off a mammoth upset.

They squeezed through to their fourth win in a row.

Alyssa Valdez turned back time and fired 17 points – her best effort in a long while after battling various injuries the last few years – and saved the day for Creamline. Also coming through were Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza and Michele Gumabao, who scattered 17, 15 and 14 hits, respectively, for the dynastic champion seeking a magnificent five-peat feat and 11th crown.

“It’s not something we’re proud of kasi it extended into five sets but knowing ZUS Coffee, they really brought their A-game, they played so well and we’re just happy and blessed nanalo kami,” said Valdez.

“It’s anybody’s ballgame in that fifth set, buti nanalo kami,” she added.

ZUS, mentored by Jerry Yee, had all the chances to pull off a giant win as they even led, 11-9, in the deciding frame.

But showing nerves of steel, Creamline erased that deficit and fought its way back and survived.

The Thunderbelles, paced by Kate Santiago, stumbled to 2-3.