Cool Smashers secure semis berth

Games today (Filoil Flying V Centre, San Juan) 2 p.m. – Air Force vs BaliPure/ 4 p.m. – Chef’s Classics vs BanKo-Perlas

ILOILO CITY – Creamline smashed Choco Mucho, 25-15, 2514, 25-16, to clinch its 12th straight victory and the first semifinal berth in the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference at the University of San Agustin Gym here.

Jema Galanza came through with 16 points while Michele Gumabao added 12 hits in a game that also fatured Alyssa Valdez and Jia Morado, who had to travel from Sta. Rosa, Laguna where the national team defeated Vietnam in the ASEAN Grand Prix Friday night to make it in this game.

The Flying Titans suffered their seventh setback against six triumphs.

Earlier, PetroGazz went to Cherry Nunag and Kai Baloaloa in the fifth set as it outlasted PacificTown Army, 25-15, 20-25, 14-25, 25-13, 15-6, to move closer to the semis.

Nunag went on a spiking spree in the deciding set as she unloaded five kills while Baloaloa uncorked three straight service aces when the Angels broke loose from a tight 5-4 lead and nailed their ninth victory against two defeats in this out-of-town game organized by Ruding Villaruz of Slam N Jam Sports Management group.

One more victory for the reigning Reinforced Conference champion and it will clinch at least a playoff for a semis spot.

PetroGazz plays Motolite back in San Juan on Wednesday and unbeaten Creamline in Bacolod City next week.

Jovelyn Prado led the way with 12 points for the Angels, who played minus Paneng Mercado (wedding), Klarissa Abriam (academics) and Jessey de Leon (sprained ankle).