PVL: Tots Carlos, Creamline sweep PLDT for 2-0 start
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos sustained her fine play and put on the finishing touches in the third set as Creamline made quick work of PLDT, 25-22, 25-16, 25-21, for a second win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference on Saturday at San Juan Arena.
The reigning Open Conference MVP unloaded 17 points built on 15 attacks, one block, and an ace including eight digs to deal the High Speed Hitters their first loss in two games in one hour and 29 minutes.
Alyssa Valdez, who struggled with eight points in their first win against Petro Gazz last Tuesday, had a more efficient game, hitting 13-of-28 to finish with 13 points on top of 11 digs. Jema Galanza contributed 12 markers, as setter Jia De Guzman dished out 18 excellent sets and added three points.
Creamline won its 10th straight game dating back to its first conference sweep and gained a share of 2-0 lead with Cignal, which it faces on Thursday in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.
“PLDT is a hard-fighting team. They have improved compared to the last conference having longer preparation from this tournament,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.
“We committed a lot of errors in the third set. Good thing my players executed well to close out the game,” he added.
After dominating the first two sets, the Cool Smashers lost steam in the third, trailing 17-13 to the Jules Samonte-led PLDT. But the errors of the High Speed Hitters allowed the first conference titlist to tie the set, 18-all.
Carlos joined hands with Valdez and a serving Galanza to reach match point, 24-20. PLDT saved a point before the University of the Philippines standout nailed the game-winning attack.
Creamline gave up 22 errors but dominated PLDT in attacking with a 53-29 difference.
Samonte was the lone bright spot for PLDT with 10 points and 11 digs as her team dropped to 1-1.