Jema Galanza delivered an all-around performance as Creamline defeated ZUS Coffee, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Although Creamline had already been relegated to the bronze medal match, the team snapped a two-game slump to end the preliminary round with a 2-3 record. Galanza spearheaded the win with 18 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 11 digs.
Creamline will battle Chery Tiggo on Sunday at 4 p.m. for a chance at a second straight bronze medal and the franchise’s 19th consecutive podium finish. Chery Tiggo earlier fell in five sets to Kobe Shinwa.
In the decisive third set, Creamline trailed 17-18 before Galanza sparked a 5-0 surge to take control at 22-18. Though Kate Santiago and AC Miner tried to rally ZUS Coffee, Rose Vargas closed the match with clutch attacks, sealing the victory in under 90 minutes.
Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets and added six points from four blocks. Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao chipped in nine points each, with Valdez also tallying nine digs. Pangs Panaga and Sheena Toring contributed seven and six points, respectively.
For ZUS Coffee, AC Miner led the charge with 15 points in their final game of the Invitational. Despite her efforts, the squad bowed out winless in five matches, competing as a last-minute replacement for Kurashiki Ablaze.
