Creamline unplugs Akari for 9th PVL title

MANILA, Philippines – On cloud nine.

That was the general feeling of Creamline when it claimed its ninth Premier Volleyball League title with a swift, unforgiving 25-15, 25-23, 25-17 pounding of a talented but untested Akari in the Reinforced Conference at the packed PhilSports Arena Wednesday night.

There was a sense that the Cool Smashers were determined to extend their dynastic reign, and it showed as they dominated the opening set, fended off a fierce challenge put up by the hungry Chargers, and then was resolute enough to deliver the coup de grace with another dominating performance in the final set.

And nine was the number of the hour for Creamline as it won its ninth crown in 12 finals appearances.

It was also made special that it was the Cool Smashers’ first three-peat feat as well as their second crown in the Reinforced after winning it all six years ago.

Interestingly, that 2018 conquest was its first of the many titles that it eventually collected.

Along the way, Creamline collected three runner-up finishes and the same number of third-place efforts.

You can also call that championship lucky ninth as Creamline had to overcome two painful defeats in the group stage and had to crawl out of the grave in the semis against Cignal when it erased a two-set deficit and a battled from match point in the deciding set to make it this far.

And then the Cool Smashers showed the attitude that was forged in fire by its numerous conquests in the past — composure.

Bernadeth Pons presided over the carnage by unleashing a match-best 19 points to claim the Finals Mosy Valuable Player plum, which went with the Conference MVP award she earned for her magnificent effort the whole tournament.