The Creamline Cool Smashers during Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Expect nothing but grit and determination from the defending champions.

Fighting for dear life, Creamline fended off Petro Gazz in Game 2, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, to push the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals to the limit on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Cool Smashers kept their bid for a fifth straight PVL crown alive.

With the result, they also denied their sister team Choco Mucho an outright bronze medal finish after the win, granting the Akari Chargers another chance for the podium.

But the victory mattered more for the grand slam champions as they seek to retain the throne, especially in an All-Filipino contest.

"Sa amin naman, masaya kami na nakabawi kami pero hindi pa tapos ‘yung laban eh. Talagang patibayan ng puso, patapangan, 'yun ang labanan ngayon eh," said coach Sherwin Meneses after the game.

Bernadeth Pons, who played hero for the Creamline side in the fifth and final set, helping the team pull away for good, top-scored with 22 points on 19 attacks while contributing for the floor defense with 12 receptions and nine digs.

Reigning All-Filipino Conference Finals MVP Jema Galanza also worked wonders, delivering 13 points, while Pangs Panaga and Michele Gumabao completed the supporting cast with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Kyla Atienza, the defensive specialist that she is, showed her A-game with a whopping 18 receptions and 16 digs.

For the losing team, it was again Brooke Van Sickle who led the scoring with 18 points to go with 14 receptions and 10 digs.

MJ Phillips, who also scored the last point for the Angels, concluded with 15 points on nine attacks, four aces, and two blocks.

Game 3 is set for Saturday, April 12, at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. First serve is scheduled at 7:00 p.m.

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