Cool Smashers regain hot form

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline went to two-time MVP Tots Carlos in the fourth set as it repulsed a persistent United Auctioneers-Army, 25-12, 25-18, 23-25, 25-23, yesterday to return to its winning form in the Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Carlos came off the bench and took over in that critical fourth-set stretch to help lift the Cool Smashers to their sixth win in seven outings. It somehow soothed the pain of their heartbreaking 22-25, 23-25, 25-20, 25-19, 15-11 loss to the F2 Cargo Movers last Tuesday also at the Big Dome.

The power-hitting reigning Open and Invitational MVP, playing limited minutes as she was playing the same opposite spiker position with Turk Yeliz Basa, delivered big shots in the last set when the Grand Slam-seeking franchise rallied from 3-8 down.

While Creamline was already assured of a spot in the next round, it needed this win to recover the confidence that was shattered by that setback to F2.

“We came from a loss and we want to build up our confidence again and have a better start to refresh going into the semis,” said setter Jia de Guzman, who facilitated the offense with 24 excellent sets while drilling in four hits.

Basa was at her usual best with a team-high 18 points but lost her concentration in the third set and sat out when Carlos went on a killing spree.

In the nightcap, Petro Gazz downed Chery Tiggo, 25-14, 24-26, 25-13, 21-25, 15-9, to bolster its semis bid with a 4-2 slate. The Crossovers faltered to 5-2.