By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Creamline Cool Smashers started their title defense with a hard-fought 34-36, 25-23, 25-22, 25-15 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies in the PVL 1st All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night, February 24.
Jeanette Panaga stepped up offensively for the defending champion Cool Smashers with 12 points, including seven attacks and five blocks, to be named Player of the Game.
The Foxies showed grit in the extended first set to pull off a 36-34 stunner.
The Cool Smashers responded with strong starts in the second and third sets, but the Foxies showed fight to keep the match close before surrendering in the end set.
In the fourth set, the Cool Smashers relied on their experience and firepower as they opened up a 17-6 advantage and never looked back to record their first victory of the conference.
“This game kasi ang dami naming mga lapses. Good thing din na lumabas ‘yun this game, and mas mapapag-aralan pa namin in our next games,” Panaga said in a post-game interview.
“Madami rin kaming adjustments and miscommunications sa game, pero sinabihan lang kami ni coach [Sherwin Meneses] na mag-back to basics, na gawin lang kung ano ‘yung tine-training namin, and ayun naman, nagresulta sa panalo,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers surged to solo first place in the standings with a 2-0 win-loss record following a 25-12, 25-17, 25-19 triumph over the lowly Strong Group Athletics (0-2).
Mylene Paat, the leading scorer for Chery Tiggo with 10 points, emphasized that their initial victories against lower-ranked teams serve as valuable preparation for their upcoming crucial matches.
“Our first two games are of big help for the team, especially in the fielding of players and the decision-making of our coaches,” Paat said.
“We respect all the teams and players. Lahat sila pinag-aaralan namin,” she added.
Marivic Meneses showcased her prowess with timely hits, propelling the Cignal HD Spikers to a come-from-behind 21-25, 25-18, 25-12, 25-18 victory over the Akari Power Chargers.
She finished with 13 points, including three blocks./ASC, WDJ