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–Creamline showed resilience and endgame poise as it overcame fatigue and a determined Kurashiki Ablaze for a 25-22, 25-22, 26-28, 25-21 win before a big Sunday crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
With the win, Creamline matched Cignal’s 2-0 start in the PVL Invitational 2024, while halting Kurashiki’s strong 2-0 start.
The Cool Smashers were on track for a sweep after narrowly taking the first two frames, but a frenetic and extended duel in the third saw Kurashiki rally.
Despite the momentum shift, Creamline regrouped, withstanding a tough start to the fourth set and pulling away in the closing stages.
Saki Tanabe of Kurashiki leveled the score at 14 with a backrow hit, but the Cool Smashers responded with a decisive 5-0 run, spearheaded by Erica Staunton’s consecutive hits, including an ace.
Creamline went into the last technical timeout with a 16-14 lead and never looked back.
Kurashiki’s woes were compounded by two overreaching violations, while a quick hit by Pangs Panaga all but sealed the win at 23-17. Although Kurashiki managed to save three match points, trimming the deficit to 21-24, Staunton capped the match with a perfectly executed combination play, ending the contest in one hour and 59 minutes.
