BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE - Creamline rallied past Perlas in a virtual repeat of its five-set turnaround against Choco Mucho a couple of days ago, pulling off a 25-12, 22-25, 21-25, 25-20, 15-10 victory on Friday to claim the top spot in the semifinals of the 2021 PVL Open Conference at the PCV Socio-Cultural Center here.
In another test of poise and composure, the veteran-laden Cool Smashers pulled through again, roaring back from a 1-2 set deficit behind Alyssa Valdez, Jema Galanza, and Tots Carlos to frustrate a surprisingly tough Perlas side and close out their elimination round campaign with an 8-1 mark.
Even if sister team Choco Mucho, presently 6-1, comes up with the same elims finish, the defending champions own the tiebreaker by virtue of their come-from-behind triumph over the upstart Flying Titans last Wenesday.
Choco Mucho will now have to contest the other twice-to-beat advantage with both 6-2 Chery Tiggo and Petro Gazz.
Creamline, meantime, will now get a day of rest before the Final Four begins on Sunday thanks to an inspiring 24-point outing Valdez. Carlos, who usually comes off the bench, was part of the first six and wound up with 20 markers of her own.
Still, Perlas Spikers looked poised to play spoiler after seizing control in the second and third sets before "The Phenom" rallied the troops. Reigning MVP Galanza and Michelle Gumabao contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively, for Creamline.
Cherry Nunag led the Perlas attack with 17 points, while Heather Guino-o came away with 14 hits, Jho Maraguinot finished with 12 points, and playmaker Gel Cayuna tossed in six points as well as an impressive 44-excellent set performance, 19 more than counterpart Jia Morado. It was all for naught, however, as they absorbed their seventh loss in eight games.
In another match with playoff implications, Choco Mucho held off Petro Gazz in four closely contested sets, 25-20, 23-25, 25-21, 25-23.
Maddie Madayag and Ponggay Gaston spearheaded the balanced offensive with 14 points apiece, while Kat Tolentino and Regine Arocha both added 13 markers of their own. Bea de Leon was the fifth player in double-digits, scoring 10 in the Flying Titans' rise to 7-1.
While Madayag and her crew still stand at solo second, they are yet to secure the no. 2 seed as their last assignment is opposite idle 6-2 Chery Tiggo.
Whoever wins that showdown on Saturday will become the second seed. The loser, meanwhile, will be the third seed once the two teams meet anew in the Final Four.
On the other hand, the Angels will have to settle for the no. 3 seed despite 14-hit showings each from Grethcel Soltones and Ria Meneses. Even if Chery Tiggo loses its last assignment, the Crossovers hold the tiebreaker over Petro Gazz.
With that, the Angels will take their 6-3 standing into the semis where they challenge top-seeded defending champion Creamline.