Creamline outlasts Petro Gazz in four sets, cops All-Filipino title

Creamline overcame a first set hiccup to turn back Petro Gazz, 20-25, 25-20, 25-18, 25-15, in Game 3 of the Premier Volleyball League finals and cop the 2023 All-Filipino Conference title on Thursday at the MOA Arena.

The Cool Smashers turned things around in the third set with Risa Sato providing the energy off the bench, denying Jonah Sabete to give Creamline a 22-16 lead. Michele Gumabao then unleashed the last three points for the reigning champions to take the set to lead 2-1.

That set also saw Creamline give Petro Gazz a taste of its own medicine, dropping six blocks despite the Angels being powered by the top two blockers in the league in MJ Phillips and Remy Palma.

The Cool Smashers then wrapped it up in the fourth set for the championship.

This is Creamline’s second straight and fourth overall All-Filipino title after achieving the same feat in 2018, 2019, and 2022 while also reigning supreme in 2018 Reinforced and 2022 Invitational.

Jema Galanza stepped up for the Cool Smashers with 19 points, including the game-winning combination play, alongside 16 digs and 11 receptions.

Gumabao chipped in 18 while MVP Tots Carlos provided the lift with 16 markers.

Creamline hurdled a 1-0 series deficit after stumbling in Game One, which the Angels secured in four sets.

—MGP, GMA Integrated News