The Creamline Cool Smashers stepped up late to frustrate the Petro Gazz Angels, 24-26, 28-26, 25-22, 25-20, in their Premier Volleyball League Open Conference matchup on Tuesday at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
Tots Carlos came off the bench to provide a big boost for the Cool Smashers in a key fourth-set run which they used as a springboard to overtake the Angels and notch their second win in as many matches.
Down by seven points early in the fourth frame, Ms. Carlos spearheaded a Creamline rally that had them taking an 18-16 lead heading into the homestretch of the set.
Petro Gazz tried to recover after that but just could not get the leverage it needed to at least force a deciding set.
Alyssa Valdez top-scored for Creamline with 16 points, followed by Jeanette Panaga with 15 and Michelle Gumabao 12.
Risa Sato had 11 for the Cool Smashers, with Jema Galanza and Ms Carlos adding eight and seven points, respectively.
For Petro Gazz, veteran Ces Molina had 18 points and Remy Palma and Ria Meneses tallying 17 and 16 points apiece.
Creamline now shares tournament leadership with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers at 2-0 while Petro Gazz dropped to 1-1. – Michael Angelo S. Murillo