Creamline overcomes Petro Gazz in five-set thriller, books fifth PVL win in a row

Facing the fiercest adversary they had so far this season-ending conference, Creamline rose to the occasion.

The Cool Smashers pulled off a come-from-behind 25-22, 23-25, 25-27, 25-29, 15-13 five-set triumph over Petro Gazz Angels to keep their unblemished record in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Second All-Filipino Conference late Thursday night, November 9, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

Michelle Gumabao led the charge with 19 points built on 18 attacks as the Sherwin Meneses-mentored volleybelles improved to a still undefeated 5-0 mark after two hours and 41 minutes of tussle against coach Timothy Sto. Tomas's side.

Tots Carlos fired 16 hits for 16 markers, while Jema Galanza had 15 points, 13 excellent digs, and 12 excellent receptions for Creamline that dropped Petro Gazz to a 4-2 win-loss slate.

Carlos and Bernadeth Pons, who tallied eight, conspired in the offensive end in the deciding fifth set to help the Cool Smashers establish a five-point lead, 9-4, as the Angels also gifted them free points with their errors.

Grethcel Soltones, Jonah Sabete, and Aiza Maizo-Pontillas answered back for Petro Gazz to come within one, 11-10, but Galanza scored an off-the-block hit before Jeanette Panaga roofed Pontillas for a 13-10 Creamline advantage.

Sabete got one back for the 1st AFC runner-up through a tough angled shot but proved to be costly as she suffered a slight injury at landing, thus, forcing her to leave the court grimacing in pain.

Remy Palma put Creamline to match point with a service error, but Pontillas kept Petro Gazz alive with a check ball on Pons' hand followed by CCS's 21st mistake. The Angels had 33 faults.

Carlos then ensured in the next play that there was no coming back for Petro Gazz after hammering the game-winning down-the-line hit against one blocker.

Losing the 40-minute third set, Meneses and company regained their form in the following frame, closing it with a 7-0 run led by Pons to force a decider.

Soltones paced the two-time PVL titlist with 23 points from 21 attacks as Sabete added 22, Palma struck 14, and Pontillas churned out 13 in a losing effort.

Up next for Creamline is the F2 Logistics Cargo Movers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Tuesday, November 14, while Petro Gazz aims to bounce back on Saturday, November 11, at the Philsports Arena against Cignal HD Spikers.