By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Creamline Cool Smashers booked a return to the PVL All-Filipino Conference finals after defeating the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, in a crucial semifinal clash at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Thursday, April 16.

Negrense winger Bernadeth Pons played a key role in the victory, contributing 12 points and providing steady all-around play as the Cool Smashers leaned on their experience to outlast the gritty Foxies.

Creamline showed its depth in the win, with Diana Carlos leading the charge with 15 points, while Jeanette Panaga delivered 13 points built on seven attacks and six blocks to earn Player of the Game honors.

Jessica Galanza also added 13 markers.

The victory marked another step in the team’s redemption arc, as Creamline returned to the championship round for the 15th time and moved closer to a potential 11th title.

The match served as a virtual knockout, with both teams trading momentum throughout.

After dropping the second set, the Cool Smashers regained control in the third behind improved execution before pulling away late in the fourth to seal the win.

Meanwhile, the PLDT High Speed Hitters closed the semifinals on a high note after sweeping the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-17, 25-22, 25-23.

Savannah Davison led the way with 21 points, on 17 attacks, two blocks and two service aces, while Alleiah Malaluan contributed 11 markers for the High Speed Hitters.

The straight-sets victory provided a timely boost for the High Speed Hitters as they gear up for their upcoming bronze medal showdown against the Foxies beginning on April 21 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Despite the loss, Cignal has already secured a spot in the finals and will face the Cool Smashers in a separate best-of-three title series next week.

Negrense Jessa Ordiales finished with 13 points to lead the Super Spikers, which rested its veterans Erika Santos, Vanessa Gandler, Jacqueline Acuña, Gel Cayuna, and Roselyn Doria-Aquino in the non-bearing match./ASC, WDJ