By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Creamline Cool Smashers moved closer to sweeping the PVL All-Filipino Conference elimination round after a 26-28, 25-14, 25-23, 25-22 victory over the Akari Power Chargers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night, November 30.

Diana Carlos led the way with 23 points, while Jessica Galanza and Jeanette Panag chipped in 16 and 12 markers, respectively, as the Cool Smashers secured their 10th win in as many games.

Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses admitted that his team had a hard time against the taller Power Chargers, especially in the first set, but commended his wards’ fighting spirit and readiness for such kind of test.

“Talagang napalaban kami kasi nga malalaki sila. Mahirap talaga kapag medyo matangkad ‘yung kalaban kasi ‘yung team namin hindi naman ganun kalaki,” Meneses said.

“Katulad ng lagi kong sinasabi sa kanila, hindi naman namin hawak ‘yung situation every point, so ready lang kami sa mga sitwasyon na ganun. Balik lang kami sa court para ma-training ‘yung lapses,” he added.

The defending champion Cool Smashers will have a chance to complete an 11-game elimination round sweep when they battle the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Tuesday afternoon, December 5.

Erika Raagas scored 10 points while Fifi Sharma finished with nine markers for the Faith Nisperos-less Power Chargers, which ended their campaign with five wins and six losses.

Meanwhile, the Galeries Tower Highrisers secured their first-ever PVL victory after their come-from-behind win against the Quezon City Gerflor Defenders, 18-25, 24-26, 25-23, 25-18, 15-11.

Ilongga Roma Joy Doromal top-scored with 15 points on 10 attacks, three blocks and two aces to be named Player of the Game for the Highrisers, which notched their first win after losing in their first nine matches.

Andrea Marzan delivered 11 points and three blocks to finish with 14 points. Ysa Jimenez, Graze Bombita and Raprap Aguilar chipped in nine markers each for the Highrisers./ASC, WDJ