PVL: Creamline completes epic comeback vs Cignal, arranges finals duel vs. Akari

Creamline displayed endgame composure to overcome Cignal in five sets, 20-25, 26-28, 25-18, 27-25, 15-13, and seal its spot in the championship round against Akari in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Cool Smashers crawled back from two sets down and three points down in the deciding frame to advance to its 12th finals appearance where they will be shooting for a ninth title. 

Creamline, which has been undermanned since the opening of the conference after some of its stars sat out the tournament, had to erase a 21-24 deficit in the fourth to force a winner-take-all fifth set.

And they had Erica Staunton to thank for that surge as the American import nailed back-to-back attacks before she unleashed a killer blow from the left wing to force a fifth set. 

They once again found themselves deep in a 4-7 deficit in the race-to-15 frame with veteran Ces Molina fueling Cignal.

However, Creamline turned things around as seasoned opposite hitter Michele Gumabao showed her vintage form by scoring two consecutive attacks from the right side for a 12-9 cushion. 

Staunton then completed a combination play, bringing Creamline to a 14-12 lead, but middle blocker Jackie Acuña responded with a quick hammer off a one-handed setup from Gel Cayuna. 

But Bernadeth Pons, whose offensive prowess gave them life in the third, finished it off by taking advantage of a poor net defense from Cignal. 

Staunton tallied 38 points anchored on 36 attacks, one block, and one ace. 

Creamline and Akari will duke it out for the title on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum at 6 p.m. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News