PVL

Creamline stuns Petro Gazz in thriller; Mika Reyes leads PLDT in breakthrough win vs Balipure

Creamline kept its unblemished record intact following a five-set victory over a gutsy Petro Gazz, 25-23, 23-25, 25-19, 23-25, 15-10, to close out the pool stage of the 2022 PVL Open Conference on Wednesday.

With two sets apiece, the Cool Smashers leaned on the heroics of team captain Alyssa Valdez in the fifth set after the former Ateneo star helped her side double up on the Angels, 12-6.

Another hammer from her brought Creamline to its first match point, 14-9, before MJ Phillips saved one for Petro Gazz, 14-10.

An open hit from Jema Galanza against the wall of Phillips and setter Chie Saet sealed the deal for Creamline, 15-10, as they went 3-0.

Erstwhile undefeated Petro Gazz, meanwhile, dropped to 2-1 but will still book a twice-to-beat edge come the playoffs after finishing second.

Valdez finished with 17 points but it was opposite hitter Tots Carlos who started it all for Creamline as she racked up a game-high 28 markers anchored on 27 attacks and an ace.

Petro Gazz was led by Grethcel Soltones who recorded 23 points while Phillips and veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas registered 15 and 13 points each.

Meanwhile, PLDT finally barged into the win column following a sweep of still winless Balipure, 25-20, 26-24, 25-22, to finish third in Pool B.

Mika Reyes led the Power Hitters after the 6-foot middle blocker poured in 11 points on seven attacks, three blocks, and an ace while another tower in Dell Palomata chipped in eight markers.

PLDT now boasts a 1-2 card while Balipure fell to the last spot in Pool B with a 0-3 record.

—MGP, GMA News