Creamline dominated Choco Mucho, 25-18, 25-13, 25-14, to remain unbeaten and seize the solo lead in the 2023 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Valentine's day, February 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
With the victory, the Cool Smashers rose to 3-0 without even losing a single set in this conference. Creamline also improved its overall record against Choco Mucho to 8-0.
The Flying Titans have not beaten the Cool Smashers since their formation in 2019.
"At the start, I already reminded them that we're facing Choco Mucho. This is going to be a good match, let's not think of the score and let's just play it point by point," said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
"Actually, in the third set, they chased us but it's good we recovered. The players enjoyed it, they were excited to face Choco Mucho's complete lineup."
Jia De Guzman, once more, orchestrated Creamline's offense with 25 excellent sets, producing three double-digit scorers in Ced Domingo, Jema Galanza, and Michelle Gumabao who poured 15 points each.
Galanza actually tallied a near triple-double as she also logged 11 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions. Tots Carlos, who chipped in six points, likewise did her part on floor defense with eight excellent receptions.
Galanza kept Creamline's head above water when Choco Mucho threatened to come back after trimming a 4-11 deficit down to two, 9-11.
Galanza provided the atillery to power the Cool Smashers in their 13-2 run that gave them a 22-13 advantage over the Flying Titans, who now fell to 1-2.
Creamline eventually won the match courtesy of Ced Domingo's back-to-back points – the first one being an attack and the other being a block point.
Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers picked up their first win of the conference after blanking the Akari Chargers, 25-23, 25-20, 25-14.
Cignal elevated to 1-2 while Akari stayed winless at 0-3.