Creamline rolls past Cignal to punch PVL Invitational finals ticket, nears Grand Slam

Just five days removed from its title run in the Reinforced Conference, Creamline is back in the finals anew.

Creamline pulled off a 25-18, 29-27, 17-25, 25-20 triumph against Cignal to reach the 2024 PVL Invitational finals on Monday, moving a win away from securing the first-ever grand slam in the local professional volleyball scene.

The Cool Smashers bucked a slow third set to improve to 3-0 in the standings and punch the first championship ticket as the top two teams after the elimination round will advance to the finals.

Creamline, which also ruled the All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference, still has one assignment left against Farm Fresh on Wednesday.

Erica Staunton led the charge with 27 points anchored on 25 attacks, one block, and one ace alongside 14 digs while veteran Michele Gumabao sizzled with 19 markers off 16 attacks and three aces.

They also had Reinforced Conference MVP Bernadeth Pons to thank after the former FEU standout converted back-to-back attacks that stretched their lead to 21-17 amid a Cignal comeback attempt.

Staunton then took care of  business the rest of the way, using the hands of Chin Basas for a 23-19 cushion before her combination play resulted in the match point, 24-20.

An attack error from Cignal import MJ Perez then handed Creamline the four-set escape.

A win in the finals will make Creamline the first club to complete a rare grand slam in the pro ranks, a feat they fell short of two years ago. Back in 2022, Creamline ruled both the Open and Invitational but only wound up third in the Reinforced.

In the first game, guest team Est Cola from Thailand survived a marathon against Farm Fresh, 22-25, 25-17, 19-25, 25-20, 17-15, to secure its first win in the tournament at 1-3.

Warisara Seetaloed posted a massive 33-point outing while Natthawan Phatthaisong chipped in 18 markers as they kept the Foxies winless at 0-3.

—JMB, GMA Integrated NEws