PVL: Creamline dominates Ho Chi Minh to go 2-0 in Invitationals

Jaja Santiago-Minowa and the Creamline Cool Smashers during a game vs Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in the PVL Invitational Conference. –PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Creamline made quick work of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, 25-18, 25-16, 25-6, to stay unbeaten in the PVL Invitational Conference on Tuesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The 11-time champion club, boosted by international player Jaja Santiago-Minowa, remained formidable for a 2-0 record in the week-long tournament.

The Cool Smashers unleashed a 10-0 start in the third and led as many as 17 points after Alyssa Valdez’s kill block, 18-1, en route to a 19-point domination that only lasted for 12 minutes.

Minowa led the collective effort with 12 points off nine attacks and three blocks. Jema Galanza had 12 points, 10 digs, and six excellent receptions, while Tots Carlos added 12.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez added nine points and had 10 digs, as Creamline leads the six-team field, as Nxled, PLDT, Farm Fresh, and Thailand’s EST Cola all tied at 1-1.

“We’re really happy, especially with how we played in the third set,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

“Yesterday, our third set wasn’t very smooth, so we made sure to improve today. It was a lesson for us to play better in the third set. Everyone really helped each other to get the win.”

Creamline takes on Farm Fresh on Thursday at 1:30 p.m.

The Cool Smashers dominated the Vietnamese in attacking, 49-19, and blocking, 11-4.

Ho Chi Minh remained winless in two games, taking on PLDT next, also on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Dang Thi Kim Thanh had eight points, while Le Thi My Xuyen added six.