BY ABBY TORALBA
CREAMLINE proved it could hack it even without star spiker Alyssa Valdez yesterday, rallying past Petro Gazz 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15 in the deciding game of their best-of-3 finals duel for the PVL All-Filipino Conference crown before a wild and roaring crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In front of 12,175 fans, Jema Galanza fueled the Cool Smashers’ drive with 19 points, 16 digs and 11 excellent receptions, while Michele Gumabao added 18 markers.
Diana Mae Carlos also had 16 hits, while Celine Domingo banged in 12 points for Creamline. Skipper Jia De Guzman tossed 18 excellent sets along with two points.
The Cool Smashers notched a second straight title and fourth in the import-less meet and sixth overall in league history.
The Angels took the series opener 25-22, 24-26, 25-23, 26-24 last Sunday but Creamline battled back in the second match 25-18, 16-25, 18-25, 25-23, 15-6 three days ago to forge the winner-take-all tiff.
Grethcel Soltones shone for Petro Gazz with 17 markers, while Jonah Sabete tallied 11 points along with 11 digs and nine excellent receptions.
Carlos was named MVP of the tourney, her third, and tied Valdez for most top player plums.
She also bagged the Best Outside Hitter award, her first in the said position, along with Galanza.
De Guzman took her eighth overall Best Setter award.
Gumabao was named Best Opposite Hitter, while Remy Palma and MJ Phillips of Petro Gazz were hailed Best Middle Blockers.
The Best Libero went to the High Speed Hitters’ Kath Arado.
