Bernadeth Pons and the Creamline Cool Smashers in Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals vs Petro Gazz Angels. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Creamline has no plans of relinquishing its throne easily.
The 10-time champion Cool Smashers extinguished any illusion of a Petro Gazz sweep on Thursday night, 25-16, 16-25, 25-12, 15-25, 15-9, forging an epic win-or-bust finale in the PVL All Filipino Conference.
HIGHLIGHTS: PVL All Filipino Finals Game 2 – Creamline vs Petro Gazz
Bernadeth Pons generated the cushion the Cool Smashers needed while Pangs Panaga and Jema Galanza conspired with hammering blows in warding off the Angels in the fifth and deciding set.
“We were reminded before this game that we will never give up this fight until the end,’’ said Pons in Filipino after unloading four of her game-high 22 points in the final frame apart from posting 12 receptions and nine digs.
Panaga imposed herself in the middle, putting together 12 points, three aces and two blocks, her running attack pushing the Cool Smashers nearly beyond reach in Set 5.
READ: PVL: Jema Galanza, Creamline stay positive despite Game 1 loss
“After the fourth set, we just focused on the 15 points that we needed in the fifth. We just stuck together and this was the result,’’ said Galanza, who tallied 13 points capped by that ace at match point.
Bernadeth Pons takes charge for Creamline Cool Smashers in Game 2 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference Finals vs Petro Gazz Angels. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Libero Kyla Atienza was likewise stellar on protecting Creamline’s floor with 18 receptions and 16 digs as the Cool Smashers drive for a fifth straight conference title remains alive while sending a clear message to the Angels that their confrontation is far from over.
“We’re glad that we were able to bounce back. This series is not yet done,’’ said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
Galanza and Pons released various sorts of projectiles to the other side as the Cool Smashers utilized a 10-2 windup to secure the opening frame.
Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses, Jema Galanza, and Bernadeth Pons after forcing Game 3. #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/cJotRVHqFT
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) April 10, 2025
Pons whacked a hit off the block and Galanza slammed a piercing one to the back row, giving Creamline a 24-15 cushion that any team could hardly recover from.
Bea De Leon’s calculated deflection of a feeble Myla Pablo slap terminated the set.
The Angels, who drew first blood in Game 1 in their bid to secure a breakthrough championship in the all-Filipino conference, reversed the trend in Set 2, exploiting the miscues of their foes while Van Sickle masterfully buckled down to work.
READ: PVL: Sisi Rondina roots for Creamline despite bronze within reach
Van Sickle’s power tip off the block, a hammering blow to the back row and Ranya Musa’s push down the middle gave them a seven-point cushion.
Pons committed a faulty net touch and Panaga’s swing that went wide sandwiched another patented Van Sickle crosscourt hit at set point.
After a furious exchange of firepower, the Cool Smashers came out on top anew in Set 3 with a couple service points going their way before they escaped with an assertive De Leon block on Van Sickle.
Panaga likewise had her own share of restraining Van Sickle at the net and Pons created a much-needed breather for Creamline, 22-20, prior to Djanel Cheng’s service error and an ace compliments of Michelle Gumabao.
Errors plagued the Cool Smashers in the next set, allowing the Angels to level the field and push their encounter to the maximum.
Panaga’s service blunder and Pablo’s block on Gumabao rewarded Petro Gazz an unreachable 22-11 advantage.
Another Creamline net touch, a quick smack by MJ Phillips and another Van Sickle assault brought them to a five-setter.
“We will go all out in Game 3. That’s for sure. There will be no more games left after that,’’ said Pons.
Pons’ attack off a combination play broke the last deadlock at 5 in the fifth, after which she added two more points, 8-6, sparking a celebration in the predominant Creamline section of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.
After Panaga’s running strike widened the gap, they took advantage of another Petro Gazz blunder, setting the stage for Galanza to wrap it up with an ace.
The deciding Game 3 is scheduled Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
