By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Bernadette Pons delivered a steady two-way performance as the Creamline Cool Smashers opened the PVL All-Filipino Conference finals with a straight-sets victory over the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, in Game 1 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, April 21.

Pons finished with 11 points while providing stability on both ends, helping the Cool Smashers control the tempo and frustrate the Super Spikers throughout the one-hour, 31-minute contest.

Jema Galanza led all scorers with 17 points and 13 excellent receptions, while Tots Carlos added nine markers.

At the net, Bea de Leon and Pangs Panaga contributed seven and five points, respectively.

Setter Jia de Guzman orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, guiding the Cool Smashers to an efficient outing marked by controlled execution and minimal errors.

The opening set saw both teams trade points before Creamline surged late to take the frame.

The Cool Smashers carried that momentum into the second, where they created separation early, before dominating the third to complete the sweep.

Vanie Gandler led Cignal with 17 points, with Erika Santos adding 10, but support from the rest of the roster proved limited.

Gel Cayuna had six points, while Tin Tiamzon, Roselyn Aquino and Jackie Acuña were held to a combined seven markers.

Creamline outscored Cignal in attacks, 46-38, and held a slight edge in blocks, 6-5.

More importantly, the Cool Smashers took advantage of 22 opponent errors while giving up just 12 of their own.

“This game was very important for us. We were really eager to win, and hopefully we can finish it in Game 2,” Galanza said.

With the victory, Creamline moved one win away from the title and will look to close out the series in Game 2 on Thursday, April 23, while Cignal aims to regroup and force a deciding match./ASC, WDJ