Creamline Cool Smashers began their bid for another Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino crown with a 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Akari Chargers on Saturday at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.
The defending champions secured the only straight-sets victory among the opening-day matches of the PVL’s 10th anniversary season, overcoming a second-set rally from the Chargers to claim their first win in the Siklab Series.
The match also marked the return of Alas Pilipinas captain Jia De Guzman to Creamline’s lineup as the Cool Smashers started their title defense with a balanced team effort.
Akari threatened to extend the match after mounting a furious comeback in the second set. Trailing by 10 points, the Chargers unleashed a 9-1 run to cut the deficit to just one.
Creamline, however, held its ground when the pressure mounted, with Jema Galanza delivering two of the team’s final three points to prevent Akari from completing the rally.
With the opening victory secured, Creamline now turns its attention to the remainder of the Siklab Series as it pursues another All-Filipino championship. (Adrian Co)
