By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Creamline Cool Smashers overcame an upset try from the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles for a 25-22, 28-30, 26-24, 17-25, 15-13 victory in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Thursday night, December 12.

Negrense Bernadeth Pons finished with a double-double of 17 points and 11 excellent receptions as the defending champions Cool Smashers stayed on top with a perfect 4-0 win-loss slate.

For her part, Alyssa Valdez also ended up with 17 markers, Jessica Galanza and Michele Gumabao delivered 15 and 14 points, respectively, while Bea de Leon and Lorie Bernardo added seven markers each.

“Even in practice, we simulate these kinds of scenarios to build mental toughness,” Valdez said, referring to their tight finish against the vastly-improved Thunderbelles in the fifth set.

“The good thing is that we’re able to execute and apply them effectively during games,” she said.

“Personally, I just enjoyed the game. ZUS Coffee really challenged us, but we’re happy to come away with the win,” she added.

With the score tied at 13-all late in the fifth set, Galanza sent the Cool Smashers to match point with a booming hit followed by an attack error from the Thunderbelles to seal the win.

Kate Santiago led the charge with 19 points, Thea Gagate and Glaudine Troncoso added 15 and 13, respectively, while Michelle Gamit and Jovelyn Gonzaga contributed 11 points each as they dropped to a 2-3 record.

Creamline’s sister team, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, squandered a two-set advantage before pulling off a 25-20, 25-21, 21-25, 25-27, 15-12 victory over the Farm Fresh Foxies.

Marionne Alba finished with 25 excellent sets, to go with one point, to be named Player of the Game as the Flying Titans halted their three-game losing skid to improve to a 3-3 win-loss slate.

Cherry Ann Rondina led the way for the Flying Titans with 26 points, Katrina Tolentino added 18 markers, while Maria Lina Molde and Cherry Nunag each finished with 10 points./ASC, WDJ