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Philippine volleyball superstar Alyssa Valdez celebrates her return from a two-conference absence as Creamline pounces on rival Petro Gazz with a surprising blowout, while powerhouse Cignal mauls shorthanded Farm Fresh
ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Philippine volleyball icon Alyssa Valdez celebrated her on-court return in the best way possible, as Creamline trounced rival Petro Gazz to open its five-peat PVL All-Filipino Conference title bid in a surprising 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 rout at Ynares Antipolo on Saturday, November 16.
The three-time league MVP provided a tangible boost in a limited three-set appearance with 4 points, 3 in the massive 14-3 finishing surge that turned an 11-13 deficit to a 25-16 blowout.
Fellow former MVP Jema Galanza topscored with a team-high 13 points and 9 excellent digs, reigning Reinforced Conference MVP Bernadeth Pons scattered an impressive all-around line of 10 points, 13 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions, while Bea de Leon blocked 6 for a 10-point total.
Despite Petro Gazz only missing star blocker MJ Phillips as a core piece, the Angels never fully got going all game long, as the likes of Galanza, Pons, and Michele Gumabao flexed their star power and two-way expertise, even leading by as many as 8 in the second set, 15-7, before arresting a late comeback.
Lorie Bernardo then put a bow on the one-sided affair late in the third, as the rising middle blocker scored all her points with the last three hits to seal the deal and give Creamline its first win of its five-month title defense.
“Of course, we’re so happy because what happened was total teamwork,” Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses said in Filipino. “Everyone performed well and properly. So the result is we got our first win.”
Reigning All-Filipino MVP Brooke Van Sickle led all scorers in the sorry loss with 18 points off 16 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, with captain Remy Palma and fellow veteran Aiza Maizo-Pontillas far seconds in the score sheet with just 5 points each as Petro Gazz fell to a 1-1 slate.
Meanwhile, the powerhouse Cignal HD Spikers likewise marked a triumphant conference debut in the first game with a 25-15, 25-18, 25-21 sweep of the severely shorthanded Farm Fresh Foxies.
Former MVP Ces Molina led the way with 14 points off 11 attacks and 3 aces, while rising opposite hitter Jov Fernandez scored 11.
Three-time Best Setter Gel Cayuna tallied 16 excellent sets, while Alas Pilipinas ace libero Dawn Macandili-Catindig recorded 20 excellent digs.
Reigning Reinforced Conference Best Opposite Hitter Trisha Tubu led the losing cause with 15 points as the Foxies sorely missed the much-awaited contributions of Rachel Anne Daquis, Jolina dela Cruz, and Jheck Dionela. – Rappler.com
