PVL: Creamline returns to All-Filipino finals after four-set win over Farm Fresh

Creamline secured its ninth straight PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals appearance after defeating Farm Fresh in four sets, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, Thursday afternoon at the Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

Outside hitter Bernadeth Pons delivered an all-around performance to keep the Cool Smashers’ bid for an 11th league title alive, finishing with 12 points along with 17 excellent digs and 17 excellent receptions.

“Sobrang saya kasi hindi rin naging madali 'yung journey namin para makabalik sa finals ngayong conference,” Pons said, reflecting on their rollercoaster path to the finals.

“Pero hindi pa tapos 'yung laban. Kailangan pa rin naming maghanda at magtrabaho para makuha namin 'yung goal namin,” added the 29-year-old.

After a turbulent second set that saw them fall into an 11-point deficit, Creamline regained its composure in the succeeding frames, led by its battle-tested core.

Despite surrendering a five-point cushion midway through the third set, Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, and Tots Carlos delivered crucial points down the stretch to narrowly take the frame, 25-23.

In the closing stretch of the fourth set, back-to-back errors from Farm Fresh star Trisha Tubu ultimately sealed the win for Creamline, 25-19.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses expressed his satisfaction with his team’s resilience as they returned to the finals after missing it out in last season's PVL Reinforced and Invitational Conference, and PVL On Tour. He also praised his players for stepping up against a tough opponent.

“Number one, 'yung mga players talagang nag-step up kasi gusto nilang manalo today. Kasi 'yung Farm Fresh hindi rin basta-basta, veteran team din,” said Meneses.

Three other Cool Smashers scored in double digits, with Carlos posting 15 points, while Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 13 markers apiece. Panaga also recorded a game-high six blocks.

Creamline will look to avenge last year’s All-Filipino Conference loss when it faces Cignal in a best-of-three finals series starting April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Meanwhile, Farm Fresh will have to wait for another conference for a shot at its first finals appearance. The Foxies were led by Tubu, who scored 21 points, most of which came from attacks.

—JKC, GMA News