PLDT stops Creamline's 19-game winning streak

PLDT hung tough in the endgame to stun defending champion Creamline in a five-set thriller, 30-28, 25-21, 23-25, 18-25, 16-14, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the Ynares Center Antipolo. 

The High Speed Hitters lost steam after winning the first two sets but proved to be the steadier team in the decider as they halted the Cool Smashers' 19-game winning streak, which was the second-longest in the league. 

With the victory, PLDT improved to 7-3 while Creamline tasted its first loss after nearly a year to slide to 9-1 and tie Petro Gazz in the standing. 

PLDT lost momentum in the third and fourth sets which allowed Creamline to drag the game into the fifth set. The reigning grand slam queens opened the decider with an 8-5 start behind the clutch hits from Jema Galanza. 

However, PLDT unleashed a huge turnaround thanks to back-to-back quick attacks from Majoy Baron and a block of Kim Kianna Dy on Galanza as the High Speed Hitters took a slim 9-8 cushion. 

PLDT just continued leaning on its strength which is net defense in the next plays with Baron and Reyes rejecting Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos, respectively, to carry PLDT to a 13-10 lead. 

Creamline, though, displayed the heart of a champion after Bernadeth Pons rallied them back and forced a 13-all deadlock to spark the comeback. 

Savi Davison unleashed a hammer from the open side for the match point, but Pons once again tied things up. Filipino-Canadian Davison then pushed the ball to the back for their second match points as Fiola Ceballos came up with a huge rejection on Carlos to deliver the hard-fought victory. 

Davison led the charge as she strung together a conference-high 34 points anchored on 29 attacks and five blocks together with 17 receptions while Baron and Ceballos each tallied 15 and 14 markers. 

PLDT has also continued its mastery of Creamline as the High Speed Hitters now boast of a three-game winning streak against the Cool Smashers dating back to last year's All-Filipino and Reinforced Conference. 

—JKC, GMA Integrated News