The Creamline Cool Smashers. PVL Media Bureau

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – After losing in its first game, Creamline bounced back bigtime as it breezed past Akari, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, to enter the win column of the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Semifinals, Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Playmaker Kyle Negrito made sure to enable her spikers, listing 24 excellent sets in just three sets while adding four points.

Outside hitter Bernadeth Pons had an all-around game with 17 points done on 16 attacks to go with 15 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs, while Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos chipped in 13 points each.

Skipper Alyssa Valdez almost breached the twin-digit territory with nine points.

Coach Sherwin Meneses knew the weight of this game to keep their bid for a five-peat alive.

The Cool Smashers have always entered the championship series since the 2023 First All-Filipino Conference -- and they hope to keep it that way.

"Napakaimportante ng game kasi parang do-or-die sa ’min yung games. Para makabawi, stay focused lang talaga. Teamwork, nandun pa rin. ‘Di pwedeng mag-blame kung sinong may kulang," said Meneses after the match.

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The Cool Smashers nabbed the opener after a 6-0 rally early, pulling away for good from the 4-6 count while neutralizing efforts from the Chargers to mount a comeback.

Akari had a 13-8 cushion early in the succeeding period, but the Cool Smashers refused to back down, dissolving that separation and establishing a lead of their own with a 15-4 run to win that frame for a 2-0 set lead.

Continuing their efforts in the final chapter, the Creamline side uncorked an 8-2 run from the 14-13 mark en route to the triumph and close out the match in one hour and 31 minutes.

READ: PVL: Petro Gazz takes down rival Creamline for winning start to semis

READ: PVL: Valdez calls on Creamline to 'move forward' after loss to PetroGazz

For their part, the Chargers failed to sustain momentum after winning against Choco Mucho last Saturday at the Ynares Center Antipolo.

Eli Soyud, who had a career-best performance last time, was held to 11 points. Notably, Ivy Lacsina, who has yet to show up in a big way this round, only registered eight attack points.

Creamline and Akari, which currently have identical records at 1-1, go for their second wins on Thursday against Choco Mucho and Petro Gazz, respectively.

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