Cool Smashers strike back

MANILA, Philippines — There is a reason Creamline is a 10-time Premier Volleyball League champion.

It was in sublime display last night as the Cool Smashers outlasted the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, to force a deciding Game Three in their PVL All-Filipino Conference titular showdown at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Cool Smashers showed nerves of steel in the fifth and final set to foil the Angels’ shot at a series sweep and instead send their duel to a rubber.

“We’re happy, but this isn’t over yet,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

Meneses’ troops chase a magnificent five-peat and 11th crown overall – both league records – as they clash with the Angels in a winner-take-all tomorrow over at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Earlier, Choco Mucho made sure there wouldn’t be another collapse as it found a way to finish off Akari, 25-18, 25-22, 27-29, 25-19, and also force a decider in their battle-for-bronze series.

Two days after blowing a two-set lead in a stinging 24-26, 21-25, 25-15, 25-18, 15-11 defeat, the Flying Titans did a good job in hanging tough and in quashing Akari’s kill bid.