The Creamline Cool Smashers secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference after staging a stunning comeback to defeat Choco Mucho Flying Titans 25-16, 25-19, 31-29 at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday night.
Trailing by nine points in the third set, the Cool Smashers showed their master qualities, fought back, took the set and the game and improved their record to 5:2.
The win keeps Creamline in the race for the playoffs, with only one game remaining in Thursday’s crossover round against the winless ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles.
The Flying Titans’ hopes of reaching the quarterfinals have faded as they currently sit at 2-5 and remain in ninth place, behind the Farm Fresh Foxies (3-4), who are placed eighth.
Choco Mucho seemed close to extending the match when they took a 23-14 lead in the third set.
However, Creamline accepted the challenge from coach Sherwin Meneses and started a relentless fightback to turn the tide.
“We believe that we have to be patient, but we don’t have to be patient,” Meneses reminded his players, urging them to rely on their experience.
The Cool Smashers delivered a dramatic performance. After narrowing the deficit to 19-23, Creamline’s strategic moves and pressure led to a series of crucial points.
Despite Choco Mucho’s attempts to win the set, with Royse Tubino giving her team a set point twice, the Cool Smashers were undeterred.
Erica Staunton’s decisive combination and Bea de Leon’s block against Tubino were decisive and gave Creamline the first lead of the set.
The Flying Titans fended off four match points, but Creamline’s Pangs Panaga blocked Tubino, allowing a sixth match point, followed by Staunton’s decisive kill that sealed the match.
Bernadeth Pons continued to play excellently, filling the void left by the absence of Tots Carlos, Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez. Pons led the Cool Smashers with 12 points and showcased a versatile offensive arsenal.
“Honestly, I just relied on my teammates,” Staunton said after the game. “I just knew we were going to get it done, we were going to get it done together. I’m really grateful for the trust they put in me.”
In the match watched by 9,429 fans, including sports stars and Olympic rower Joanie Delgaco, Creamline controlled the first two sets with precision.
Despite a strong push from Choco Mucho in the second set, the Cool Smashers held firm, with Pons taking the lead and capitalizing on the Flying Titans’ mistakes.
In the third set, Choco Mucho, led by Dindin Manabat and Zoi Faki, seemed to be in control before Creamline made a remarkable comeback.
Staunton finished with 19 points, with solid contributions from Michele Gumabao and de Leon, who contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
On the other hand, Choco Mucho’s Tubino, Maddie Madayag and Mars Alba combined for 15 points while Manabat contributed 10 points.
Despite their efforts, the Flying Titans face an uphill battle in their remaining games.
The Flying Titans must defeat the PLDT High Speed Hitters in straight sets on Thursday and hope for a Farm Fresh Foxies loss to the undefeated Akari Chargers on Tuesday to force a tie for the eighth and final playoff spot.
