The Creamline Cool Smashers are once again the queens of the PVL Open Conference after outlasting the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-18, 15-25, 25-23, 25-16, and sweep their best-of-three finals series on Friday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The victory was a big bounce back for the Cool Smashers, who lost the crown to Chery Tiggo Crossovers last year in the PVL bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
The Sherwin Meneses-mentored Creamline side also swept the entire 2022 PVL Open Conference from their pool play games in Pool B, achieving a twice-to-beat quarterfinals advantage, and two-game semifinals romp.
Alyssa Valdez was hailed as Finals Most Valuable Player after finishing with 20 points in her gallant effort to anchor the club's fourth championship, and their first since PVL became a professional league.
Jema Galanza also had a sensational outing in their title-clinching game with 17 markers - all from attacks - while 2022 Open Conference MVP Tots Carlos came up big as well with 16 points.
The Cool Smashers flashed their championship form in the first set as Valdez and Carlos combined their scoring exploits, which provided a huge threat to the backline defense of the Angels.
The Jerry Yee-coached Petro Gazz had a big comeback in the second set with their well-balanced offense that gave a headache to their opponents by forcing errors from the line.
Creamline eked out a close win in the third set after a spirited run by Petro Gazz late in the stretch - with Valdez delivering the finishing kills to bring them a set away from the title.
The fourth set displayed the superb attacking skills of the Cool Smashers to build a wide margin and stop another Angels plan to force a deciding fifth frame.
Valdez scored the match point with a solid row attack, before Celine Domingo notched the championship point off a quick hit.
Petro Gazz made a strong stand in Game 2 despite the limited minutes of star spiker Gretchel Soltones due to the injury she incurred in Game 1.
The Angels were led by Nicole Tiamzon with 14 points while Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips each scored 13 points for their runner-up finish.
