KRISTEL SATUMBAGA

There was no stopping Creamline as it overcame the feisty challenge of Chery Tiggo to produce a nail-biting 25-22, 24-26, 25-20, 25-17 victory that preserved its unbeaten run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City on Tuesday night, Nov. 28.

Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza took turns in unloading fiery attacks, combining for 28 kills to anchor the Cool Smashers to their ninth straight triumph.

The win not only tightened Creamline’s grip of the top spot heading into the next phase, but also snapped Chery Tiggo’s six-game winning streak.

It didn’t come easy, though.

The Cool Smashers struggled with their erratic plays where they actually gave away 29 points on unforced errors throughout the nearly two-hour match.

But Carlos and Galanza, who finished with 16 points apiece, held it together for Creamline.

Jeanette Panaga chipped in 10 points, including three blocks and two aces, while Michele Gumabao was limited to a single-digit production with nine points.

Chery Tiggo’s power sisters in Eya and EJ Laure were also held to nine and eight points as Mylene Paat attempted – but failed – to lift the Crossovers to victory with her 11-point showing.

The Crossovers, who are already in the semis along with the Cool Smashers and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, slipped to 8-2 for solo third.

The Flying Titans earlier demolished Gerflor, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17, to stretch their winning run to nine games for a 9-1 mark.

Despite having secured a semifinal berth, the Flying Titans refused to slow down with their hard-hitting attacks on all angles that frustrate the struggling Defenders.

As expected, Sisi Rondina spearheaded the Flying Titans with 14 kills, two aces and one block for 17 points, while Bea De Leon displayed her all-around game with six attacks, five blocks and two aces for 13 points.