With second stringers getting heavy minutes, Creamline shoots down Army and moves to semifinal doorstep

Sherwin Meneses, with Creamline on top to advance to the semifinals of the All-Filipino Conference Premier Volleyball League, the second unit gained confidence by increasing confidence with a longer game in 25-15, 25-20, 25-12 beating Army. Saturday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

Meneses just ensured that he will have more weapons as the Cool Smashers, who currently have a score of 5-1, battle against PLDT next Tuesday before slugging it out with the struggling Akari on March 14, with a win in one of their official matches. advanced.

“A chance to play my game [second] stringers showed themselves,” said Meneses in Filipino as Creamline, already without Alyssa Valdez who recovered, also played without the productive Jema Galanza. “Still a long way to go, and giving time to the players on the floor allows them to help each other.”

Tots Carlos scored 17 points, and Michelle Gumabao, who has undergone rejuvenation since the Reinforced Conference last season, added 11.

‘very happy’

“I really like what I see because [the second stringers] not just playing a few points, almost one set,” Meneses continued. “That’s the best thing I’ve seen in this game, because it gives us an idea of ​​who we can trust in the next game.

“I know everything will be ready.”

Rose Vargas scored seven points, center Risa Sato scored five and Rizza Mandapat and Pau Soriano scored three and two points, respectively, for the defending champions, who scored 42 offensive points against the Lady Troopers’ 29.

“I think it’s good because we want to win while letting other teammates play. It’s great to see them play,” said Carlos, the two-time Most Valuable player.

Creamline made the most out of the Lady Troopers’ erratic service reception, scoring 10 aces—with four from Vargas—while drawing 19 points from Army’s unforced errors.

Losing steam

Madu Royse Tubino scored 12 points while Lut Malaluan, Nene Bautista and Jeanette Villareal combined for 18 points for Army.

But after battling their favored rivals in a first 12 minutes marred by mishits and miscues, the Lady Troopers lost steam and failed to measure up to the Cool Smashers’ power game and hustle play.

The Cool Smashers will take a week off before resuming their quest for a crucial win against the heat-charged High Speed ​​Hitters.

After dropping a tough five-set setback to F2 Logistics last February 7, PLDT swept the next three matches to return to strong contention with High Speed ​​Hitters looking to extend their run against Akari Chargers as of press time.

Army took a small lead early in the first frame before slumping to a fifth straight defeat.

Vargas led the attack while Creamline steadied the ship, so to speak, scoring in the kill and before Gumabao blocked Tubino to take the last lead in the first. INQ

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