By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Bernadeth Pons displayed another efficient game as the Creamline Cool Smashers edged the Cignal HD Spikers, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, in the PVL Reinforced Conference semifinals at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, August 31.
The Negros Occidental’s Talisay City-native Pons finished with a triple-double of 28 points, 24 excellent receptions and 17 excellent digs as the Cool Smashers will barge to the knockout finals against the Akari Power Chargers on Monday, September 2.
After dropping the first two sets, the Cool Smashers were on fire in the third and fourth frames behind Pons, Erica Staunton and Michele Gumabao, as they sent the knockout semis game to a deciding set.
In the fifth set, the HD Spikers surged to an early 7-4 lead behind Frances Molina, but the Cool Smashers quickly erased it and took a 13-10 advantage courtesy of attacks from Gumabao and Staunton.
Cignal made their last push at 12-13 on back-to-back connections by MJ Perez, but Creamline reached match point on a conversion by Staunton before they completed the reverse sweep on an HD Spikers attack error.
Staunton delivered a season-high of 38 points, built on 36 attacks, one block and a service ace, while Gumabao contributed 10 as the Cool Smashers made it to their 12th PVL finals appearance.
“Amazing. I am very excited. I feel lucky to be part of this team,” Staunton said.
“I think we just tried to stay composed, especially me. This is my first time in the semifinals, so my teammates have more experience in this game,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Power Chargers survived a tough challenge from the PLDT High Speed Hitters for a 25-22, 18-25, 22-25, 26-24, 17-15 victory and enter the finals with an unbeaten record.
Oly Okaro spearheaded the offense with 39 points, built on 35 attacks and four blocks, while Ivy Lacsina added 19 markers as the Power Chargers secured their first-ever PVL finals appearance.
“We have prepared hard for games like this. We know we can do it. Knowing that all our hard work has paid off, and it showed in this game,” Okaro said.
“We’re ready for the finals. We’re hot, we’re gonna fight, and let’s see what happens,” she added./ASC, WDJ