CREAMLINE withstood a gutsy stand by also-ran Perlas to fashion out a 25-12, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 win and claim the No. 1 ranking in the PVL Open Conference preliminaries yesterday at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

The Cool Smashers, who have already secured a semifinals berth Wednesday night, rallied from a 1-2 set deficit to secure their eighth victory in nine matches.

The Final Four cast was completed late Thursday after PetroGazz eliminated Sta. Lucia, 25-13, 25-21, 25-22, giving Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo a free ride to the semis.

The Cool Smashers’ Final Four opponent will be decided only in the final day of the prelims today, as the seedings in the next round remain hanging in the balance.

It was Creamline’s second consecutive five-setter, which will definitely toughen the defending champions in the matches that matter.

Again, it was Alyssa Valdez who came out clutch for the Cool Smashers with 24 points, including two blocks.

“We give credit for Perlas today they really give a good fight,” said Valdez, as Creamline overcame its foes’ splendid floor defense.

“Overall, it was total team effort. We believe sa tiwala ng mga coaches namin na everyone in our team na gagawa,” she added.

Jema Galanza played her best game so far with the Cool Smashers as the reigning MVP with 13 points.

“Jema came back at the right time and alam naming hinihintay nya lang din ito we’re just happy for her also,” said Valdez.

Tots Carlos had a solid outing of 20 points, including two blocks, 21 digs and 12 receptions while Michele Gumabao had four blocks to finish with 11 points for Creamline.

With the Cool Smashers’ domination in the now-pro league on the line, Valdez knows that with the grueling schedule in the semifinals, the team should be very prepared.

“One of the mindsets going into the semis we just have to play our game this tournament is really more mental as well as physically we’re going with confidence hopefully sana mabigyan namin ng maganda laro yung makakalaban namin,” said Valdez.

Cherry Nunag scored 17 points, including three blocks, to lead Perlas while Heather Guino-o added 14 points and 26 digs against her former team.