Creamline reasserts mastery vs Cignal to open PVL Invitationals

Creamline reasserted its mastery over Cignal as the Cool Smashers escaped the HD Spikers, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8, on Thursday in the opening day of the PVL Invitational Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Michele Gumabao led the Cool Smashers with 22 points built on 18 attacks and four blocks, while Jema Galanza added 18 points as they secured the win just days after their third-place match against Cignal in the PVL On Tour.

Alyssa Valdez also delivered with 11 points, 12 digs, and 14 receptions.

“Siguro unang-una, na-sweep din [nila] kami nung first round ng eliminations, then nakabawi kami. Ibang-iba na ‘yung mga games, talagang magkakakilala na. Sa tingin ko, ang naging advantage namin ‘yung experience ng team,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.

Heather Guino-o paced Cignal with 21 points off 18 attacks and three aces, while PVL On Tour Most Valuable Player Erika Santos chipped in 11 points.

With the win, Creamline improved to 1-1, while Cignal dropped to 0-2.

Why do both teams already have one loss on their Invitational Conference standings?

The one loss each team carries was brought over from the PVL On Tour semifinals.

According to the PVL, participating teams mutually agreed to a one-day rest instead of scheduling an additional game day. As a result, Creamline and Cignal started the conference with a 0-1 record, while PLDT and Chery Tiggo, the PVL On Tour finalists, started at 1-1.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News