Creamline and Cignal arrange finals duel in PVL Invitational Conference
Creamline Cool Smashers and Cignal HD Spikers are set to lock horns for the grand slam at the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Thursday, September 12.
The finals-bound Cool Smashers decisively crushed Farm Fresh Foxies’ podium hopes with a straight-set victory, 25-15, 25-13, 25-19, in the final Invitational Conference preliminary game.
Creamline secured the finals berth with Jema Galanza’s triumphant return to the lineup after her duties with Alas Pilipinas. Galanza posted a game-high 13 points anchored on 11 attacks and two blocks, booting out Farm Fresh for a podium finish.
“I’m happy to be back with Creamline. As for adjustments, it won’t be too difficult since we’ve always been doing the same training, and the system is already familiar,” said Galanza, the former league MVP.
Bernadeth Pons tallied eight points, along with 10 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, while Michelle Gumabao chipped in seven markers and American import Erica Staunton scored five.
Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers emerged victorious in the semifinals clash against Kurashiki Ablaze, denying the defending champion to retain its title in a five-set marathon, 25-23, 19-25, 25-23, 22-25, 15-11.
Venezuelan import MJ Perez powered the HD Spikers with 36 points built on 34 attacks, along with 21 excellent receptions.
Libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig, back for her second Cignal game since returning from national team duty with Alas Pilipinas, took care of the team’s floor defense registering a total of 27 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions.
“Of course, we want to win. We are so happy to get this win especially now that we have Dawn now. She brings huge contributions to the team,” said Perez.
Team captain Ces Molino also contributed to the team’s offense with 13 points, and middle blockers Jackie Acuña and Riri Meneses with 10 markers apiece.
Cignal has a chance to deny Creamline’s grand slam dreams tonight at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
