Training ‘sacrifice’ pays off for Creamline

CREAMLINE opened its round robin semifinals campaign in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with a resounding 25-21, 25-20, 25-23 win over defending champ Petro Gazz on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

It was the first three-set sweep recorded by the Cool Smashers this conference, and they did it despite an unfavorable playing condition when the air conditioning system at the venue malfunctioned during the first set.

“The heat really exhausted your body,” said Jema Galanza, who fired 14 points for Creamline.

Fortunately for the Cool Smashers, they trained in a gym without an air conditioning unit and according to the players, it prepared them well for a game like Thursday’s.

“We also train without aircon,” revealed Creamline star Alyssa Valdez.

“Our perspective was that we have to turn it into something positive. We’re doing this every training day, so it was an advantage for us that we’re so drenched in sweat while playing.”

It worked to the Cool Smashers’ advantage, indeed, as four of their players scored in double digits, with Jia de Guzman making that possible with 19 excellent sets. Valdez was one of those double-digit scorers with 11 points on top of 15 excellent digs in the match.

“It was very hot. Our bodies really have warmed up, so it really worked for us. We’re just thankful that we were able to focus and we didn’t think of those distractions,” Valdez said.

Air conditioning was restored during the second set.

Creamline takes on fellow 1-0 team Cignal in the continuation of the round robin semis on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.