By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Creamline Cool Smashers kept their PVL 2nd All-Filipino Conference finals hopes alive with a 25-18, 25-19, 25-19 sweep over the Akari Power Chargers in the single-round robin semifinals at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday, April 1.

Negrense Bernadeth Pons posted a triple-double of 17 points, along with 15 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs as the Cool Smashers improved to a 1-1 win-loss slate.

Jeanette Panaga chipped in 13 points, comprising 10 attacks, two service aces and one block, to be named Player of the Game.

Diana Carlos added 13 points for Creamline.

“Alam namin kung gaano ka-importante itong game na ito. It’s a do-or-die game for us, kaya talagang pinaghirapan namin itong laro na ito,” Panaga said in a post-game interview.

“Mas in-enjoy lang talaga namin itong laro na ito compared [dun sa Petro Gazz Angels game],” she said.

“Madami rin kaming natutunan from our loss, kaya ibinuhos na namin ‘yun dito,” she added.

With a 24-16 lead in the third set, Akari attempted a comeback with three consecutive points, but Alyssa Valdez sealed the victory for the Cool Smashers with an off-the-block hit.

Negrense Christine Joy Soyud stood out for the Power Chargers with 11 points, while Ivy Lacsina and Faith Nisperos contributed eight and seven points, respectively, as Akari fell to a 1-1 record.

Meanwhile, the Petro Gazz Angels inched closer to a seat in the best-of-three finals after a 24-26, 25-18, 25-17, 27-25 win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Brooke Van Sickle finished with 17 points, built on 16 attacks and one block, to go with 22 excellent receptions and 12 excellent digs to be named Player of the Game as the Angels improved to a 2-0 win-loss slate.

MarJana Phillips added 14 markers, including 10 attacks.

Myla Pablo contributed 13 markers, including the game-winning point in the latter part of the fourth set, for the Angels./ASC, WDJ

Caption

BERNADETH PONS (PVL photo)