MANILA, Philippines – Creamline makes it through Nxled and improves semis drive.

After being rattled by Nxled’s tenacious but ineffective effort in the opening set, Creamline threw down its gauntlet in the second set, but had to weather another fierce challenge from the Chameleons in the third to emerge victorious in a hard-fought 25-22, 25-12, 25-20 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference match on Saturday night at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

As the team moves through the next preliminary rounds, team captain Alyssa Valdez expressed optimism in their capacity to improve even if she acknowledged that they haven’t yet reached their best. She highlighted the group’s adherence to core values and highlighted their fortitude in facing difficulties.

“We go back to the basics when things get tough,” said Valdez, who finished with 12 points to win the game’s MVP award. The Cool Smashers had expected to re-establish their dominance in the following set after the second set romp, but they were pulled into a nervous finish by a determined Nxled side.

Valdez said, “We’re getting there, slowly but surely.” Coach Sherwin Meneses of Creamline used Michele Gumabao tactically late in the third quarter, replacing Jema Galanza, as the Chameleons continued to press their advantage and threatened to tie the game at twenty-one points thanks to a Camille Victoria kill.

But Tots Carlos sent a ball past two defenders, Pangs Panaga scored on a fast break, and Gumabao did what she does best, finishing it off for the reigning champs with a kill and a block to clinch the team’s commanding 4-0 closing run.The well-deserved win, Creamline’s seventh versus two losses, put them ahead of Petro Gazz and Chery Tiggo, both of whom had 6-2 cards. The victory also prepared the Cool Smashers for their highly anticipated Thursday night matchup against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.

Creamline, which defeated Nxled 45–31 in the attack, has one more difficult task on April 25: they will take on PLDT (7–1), another formidable semi final candidate.With a 3-6 record, the defeat, however, officially eliminated Nxled from the semifinal competition.

With 18 points, which included 14 attacks and four aces, Carlos led the way for Creamline. Galanza concluded with 10 markers, and Bea de Leon, Panaga, and Kyle Negrito contributed six, five, and four points, respectively.

Ten points were scored by Lacsina, eight points apiece by Victoria and Jho Maraguinot, and seven points by Lycha Ebon. However, errors hindered the Chameleons’ attempt to rally in the third, allowing the Cool Smashers to win in one hour and twenty-seven minutes.

All the while, Choco Mucho defeats Strong Group to get closer to the semifinals

Choco Mucho defeated Strong Group, 25-17, 25-15, using its depth. 25-15, and virtually secured one of the fiercely contested spots in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference semifinals in front of a sizable weekend audience at Pasig City’s Philsports Arena.

The whole Choco Mucho lineup, including the bench players, contributed to the team’s triumph despite Sisi Rondina’s outstanding performance, as six players finished with at least two points, highlighting the team’s skill and tenacity.

Former PLDT star Royse Tubino scored just as many points as Rondina did (17 points), displaying nearly immaculate offensive execution and crediting coach Dante Alinsunurin for the team’s smooth synergy.

“My expectations were very light, and the team’s process of pagje-jell was very much adjusted,” Tubino stated.

With an 8-1 record, Choco Mucho reclaimed the lead, but the Flying Titans were still determined to win their next two games in order to guarantee a trip to the semifinals.

Tubino stressed the squad’s dedication to constant progress, particularly in areas such as net defense and her own hitting power.

The match statistics demonstrated Choco Mucho’s superiority against the Athletics in every element of the game. Their 48-attack performance highlighted their adaptability and determination, as did their strong defensive presence at the net with 11 blocks.

Nevertheless, they committed 15 unintentional turnovers compared to the Athletics’ 12.

For the Athletics, who dropped to 0-9, Souzan Rasland scored seven points and skipper Dolly Verzosa scored twelve. They want to secure the elusive victory, either on Thursday against the Foxies or on April 27 against the Akari Chargers.