By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The Creamline Cool Smashers reclaimed the PVL All-Filipino Conference title after surviving a fierce challenge from the Cignal Super Spikers, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday night, April 23.

Diana Carlos delivered the decisive blows in the closing stretch, firing a crucial attack before sealing the victory with a block on Vanessa Gandler as Creamline turned an 11-10 edge into a match-clinching run.

Negrense Bernadette Pons powered Creamline with an all-around performance, finishing with 22 points along with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions to anchor both offense and floor defense and be named finals MVP.

Carlos added 18 points, while Jessica Galanza and Jeanette Panaga chipped in 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Julia Morado-De Guzman tallied 31 excellent sets for Creamline.

“I’m speechless,” De Guzman said.

“Lahat ng emotion ngayon, I can’t really describe it. I’m just really happy kasi trinabaho talaga namin ito — five sets. Pinahirapan kami ng Cignal pero thankful kami that in the end, tinyaga namin,” she added.

Cignal threatened to extend the series behind Conference MVP Gandler, who led all scorers with 26 points, while Erika Santos added 21 and Ernest Tiamzon contributed 14.

The Super Spikers held the advantage in attacks, 71-61, and even led midway through the fifth set before losing momentum late.

Despite being outscored in attacks, Creamline made the most of Cignal’s miscues, scoring 28 points off errors while committing just 16 of their own.

Both squads finished with 10 blocks apiece.

Creamline claimed its 11th overall PVL title and eighth All-Filipino crown, adding another chapter to its dynasty with a victory built on experience, discipline and execution in the most critical moments./ASC, WDJ