Creamline overcomes Petro Gazz, forces do-or-die for PVL All-Filipino crown

It's not over until it's over.

The Creamline Cool Smashers overcame Petro Gazz Angels, 25-15, 16-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-9, in Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference finals on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to force a rubber match for the title.

In the deciding set, he Cool Smashers then showed its championship composure even as the Angels were trying to end the series. Bernadeth Pons proved to be crucial in the final set as she handed the Cool Smashers their eighth point, five of which came from her, against Petro Gazz' six.

The Angels tried to keep it close as they trailed 12-9 before the likes of Pangs Panaga and Jema Galanza sealed the victory for Creamline.

"Unang-una, sabi sa amin ni coach after nung Game 1, hindi pa tapos, huwag kami masyado mag-isip kasi may Game 2 pa. Hawak pa rin namin, nasa kamay pa rin namin. Kanina rin bago pumunta rito, ang reminder namin sa isa't isa, hindi namin isusuko ang game na ito, hangga't hindi natatapos, hindi kami titigil," Pons said.

Pons had 22 points anchored on 19 attacks, while Galanza and Panaga added 13 and 12 points, respectively as Creamline tied the best-of-three series. Kyle Negrito had 26 out of Creamline's 28 excellent sets, on top of her five points, while Michele Gumabao added 11 points.

Brooke Van Sickle had 18 points, 10 digs, and 14 excellent receptions, while MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

With the win, the bronze medal match between Choco Mucho and Akari will also be played with the series tied at 1-1.

Game 3 of the bronze medal match and the finals will be played on Saturday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News