Tots Carlos and Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Tots Carlos sustained her fine form as she exploded for 22 points as defending champion Creamline became the first local team to reach the semifinals of the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference after sweeping PLDT, 25-21, 25-20, 25-21, on Thursday at Philsports Arena.
The Cool Smashers hardly missed a beat coming off a two-week break. They haven’t dropped a set after three games in Pool A to qualify for the next round, where they will be joined by Japanese squad Kurashiki Ablaze and Vietnam’s Kinh Bac-Bac Ninh.
The reigning Invitationals MVP Carlos delivered 17 attacks, three aces, and two blocks on top of eight excellent receptions, while Jema Galanza also stepped up with 12 points including two aces.
The hard-hitting pair joined hands to avert a slow start in the third set, where they trailed 11-14. Carlos’ attack and Galanza’s ace gave Creamline a 23-18 spread.
However, Mika Reyes nailed the timely quick attacks to put PLDT within two, 23-21, before Carlos scored back-to-back kills to end the match in one hour and 37 minutes.
“We’re really happy because we have an advantage coming to the next stage,” said Carlos in Filipino. “But we still have a lot to improve and we trust the program of the coaches for our team. We just follow their instructions and try to improve every day.”
Tots Carlos leads Creamline Cool Smashers in the PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Alyssa Valdez played her best game since coming back from injury as she delivered 11 points and eight digs, while setter Jia De Guzman orchestrated the Cool Smashers’ offense with 22 excellent receptions on top of two points.
“It’s a good win for us today. We were able to secure the semifinal slot,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses. “I think the team still improved despite the break. We have to prepare because we still have a lot of games.”
Michele Gumabao sat out the match coming off an important trip to Europe but she will return to action against Akari on Saturday, according to coach Meneses.
PLDT dropped to 1-1 in the third place of Pool A with Mean Mendrez being the lone double-digit scorer with 10 points as Jovielyn Prado finished nine points before she got injured in the second set from a bad landing.
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