By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The Creamline Cool Smashers banked on their experience in the fifth set to score a 25-19, 26-24, 23-25, 23-25, 15-9 victory against the Cignal HD Spikers in the PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Saturday night, February 1.
Negrense Bernadeth Pons stepped up with 27 points, on 24 attacks, two service aces and a block, to go with 14 excellent digs, as the Cool Smashers stretched their unbeaten run to seven games.
“Ginawa ko lang ‘yung role ko sa team, binigay ko ‘yung best ko, and ang dami pang kailangang i-improve sa game na ito,” Pons said after the game.
“Itinaas lang namin ‘yung energy namin. Ibinalik lang namin ‘yung laro namin nung fifth set,” she added.
After failing to close out the HD Spikers in the third and fourth set, the Cool Smashers started strong in the fifth frame behind Pons, Bea de Leon, Jeanette Panaga, and Jessica Galanza for a 9-5 start.
The HD Spikers still tried to keep the match close at 9-12, but the Cool Smashers responded with an attack from Diana Carlos, an error by Cignal’s Vanessa Gandler, and a down-the-line hit from Pons to close the match.
“Nung third and fourth set, medyo nawalan kami ng pasa kaya hindi kami makapalo ng maayos. Medyo bumaba din ‘yung energy namin, but good thing, naka-recover kami nung fifth set,” Pons said.
Meanwhile, the Akari Power Chargers notched their second straight win after a 25-9, 25-17, 26-24 sweep over the Capital1 Solar Energy Power Spikers.
Ivy Lacsina spearheaded the offense with 15 points, all coming from attacks, to be named Player of the Game as the Power Chargers secured their fifth victory in nine matches.
“Nakakataas ng morale namin itong panalo, pero hindi pa din kami titigil, balik pa din kami sa ensayo,” Lacsina said after the game.
“Siguro mas nagtiyaga kami nung first set. Parang gusto naming mabago [‘yung trend] na slow start kami palagi,” she said.
“Sumunod lang kami sa game plan. Nag-adjust lang din kami dahil nag-a-adjust din ‘yung kalaban namin, and suportahan din kami sa isa’t isa,” the former National University Lady Bulldogs standout added./ASC, WDJ