PVL

Creamline moves on championship cusp; Choco Mucho nears bronze finish

Powerhouse Creamline moved on the verge of another title after pulling off a 25-16, 23-25, 25-12, 32-30 victory over Petro Gazz in Game 1 of their best-of-three finals series in the 2022 PVL Open Conference on Wednesday.

With the game tied at one set apiece, the Cool Smashers came alive in the third frame with a quick 17-6 run to open the set with Jema Galanza and team captain Alyssa Valdez taking charge.

Creamline would hold the Angels to only six points after that juncture as Tots Carlos, who lifted the team in their semifinals sweep of Choco Mucho, ended the third set with an opposite hit, 25-12.

In an extended fourth set, the troika of Galanza, Valdez, and Carlos showed up with Valdez bringing them to 30-29 before an error from her tied it all up at 30. Carlos then attacked from the opposite side anew while an error from Petro Gazz sealed the deal for Creamline.

Earlier, last year's fourth placer Choco Mucho edged Cignal, 25-17, 25-21, 21-25, 25-22, to take Game 1 of their best-of-three battle for bronze with Kat Tolentino shining for the Flying Titans.

The former Ateneo standout finished with 23 points on 19 attacks, three blocks, and an ace while middle blocker Bea De Leon had 11 markers as they inched closer to pulling an upset over Cignal.

Cignal lost to Petro Gazz in the semifinals after sweeping its pool stage campaign and a stellar quarterfinal sweep of Balipure. Choco Mucho, meanwhile, fell to sister team Creamline in the final four.

Game 2 for both series is slated for Friday, April 8, with Choco Mucho looking to finish off Cignal at 3 p.m. while Creamline will vie for the crown at 6 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

—MGP, GMA News