CREAMLINE pounded out a 25-21, 25-20, 25-17 win over PLDT to clinch the first semifinals berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference before a huge crowd at the Philsports Arena.

Tots Carlos came through with 18 points, including two service aces, 14 receptions and seven digs, while Ced Domingo contributed 17 points for the Cool Smashers.

Jema Galanza also had a solid all-around game for Creamline with 11 points, 11 receptions and seven digs, while Jia de Guzman tossed in 20 excellent sets.

Despite not having Alyssa Valdez in the roster, the Cool Smashers were able to achieve their initial goal of reaching the Final Four.

“Siyempre happy kami at nakapasok ulit kami sa semifinals. Ma-improve pa sana yung mga next game namin specially sa semifinals kasi back to zero na yung ano dun e, so thank you at nakapasok kami ulit,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

The Cool Smashers were also motivated by their failure of making it to the Reinforced Conference Finals that ended the decorated club’s Grand Slam hopes.

“Yung last year hindi natin masasabi na hindi pabor sa amin. Talagang natalo lang talaga siguro kami, hindi para sa amin yung last conference. Pero syempre wala ng quotient, wins na lang talaga kaya pagbubutihin namin sa semis,” said Meneses.

The loss ended the High Speed Hitters’ four-match winning run, but they remain in the top four range.

Mich Morente top-scored for PLDT with 12 points, including four blocks while Mika Reyes added 11 kills.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Theodore P. Jurado