Shorthanded Creamline overpowers Choco Mucho in PVL opener

Depleted but still too much.

Defending champion Creamline remained lethal despite the departure of setter Jia Morado-De Guzman to play for Japan V. League's Denso Airybees and the absence of other players due to injuries.

The Cool Smashers had the right pieces clicking like nothing changed to decimate sister team Choco Mucho in four sets, 25-18, 25-16, 24-26, 25-21, and take their first win in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, October 15.

In her baptism as Creamline's primary playmaker, Kyle Negrito had 23 excellent sets on top of three points for a fine start in their three-peat bid during the post-De Guzman era.

Bernadeth Pons provided 22 points on 21 kills, while Michele Gumabao added 20 markers from 18 attacks and two aces as CCS dropped the Flying Titans to 0-1.

Jema Galanza listed 11 for Creamline to recover from a narrow third-set defeat and finish off Choco Mucho.

In September, Denso announced the signing of De Guzman on their official website, thus, ending the seven-year stint of the decorated setter for Creamline.

CCS also missed the services of middle blocker Ced Domingo, libero Kyla Atienza, and the newest addition to Creamline, Bea Bonafe – all of whom skipped the Choco Mucho match due to injuries.

Sisi Rondina led the Dante Alinsunurin-mentored volleybelles with 21 points in a losing effort in front of a jam-packed 14,014 spectators.

Caitlyn Viray chipped in 12, Des Cheng listed 11, and Cherry Nunag posted 10, but all went to naught against a well-oiled Sherwin Meneses side.

In other matches, reigning Invitational Most Valuable Player Ces Molina registered 20 points (20 hits) and 11 excellent digs for Cignal HD Spikers to foil PLDT High Speed Hitters via a 25-16, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20 four-set triumph.

PVL debutant Nxled Chameleons gifted debuting coach and Jaja Santiago's husband Taka Minowa with his first dub by sweeping hapless Gerflor Defenders, 25-18, 25-14, 25-19, thanks to the Best Player of the Game Lycha Ebon's 14 points built on 12 attacks and two blocks.