EST Cola outplays Creamline; Nxled prevails

EST Cola celebrates a point against Creamline. (PVL Images)

EST Cola pulled off a tough 17-25, 25-21, 25-22, 27-25 victory against fancied Creamline to forge a tie on top of the standings in the PVL Invitational on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Thai spikers bounced back from a slow start with hard-hitting plays to also hand the Cool Smashers their first defeat in four games.

The win improved EST Cola’s record to 3-1 and tied with their victims atop the leaderboard.

Papatchaya Phontham delivered another explosive performance, pumping in 27 points built on 24 kills to steer the visiting Thais, while Nannaphat Moonjakham and Nirarach Srikuta added 16 and 12 points, respectively.

EST Cola overpowered talent-laden Creamline on attacks, 57-48, while also keeping its net defense intact with 10 blocks.

Jaja Santiago-Minowa had 19 points, while Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively, in a losing effort for the Cool Smashers.

Earlier, Nxled outplayed Ho Chi Minh Citym 25-20, 31-33, 25-17, 25-22, to keep its finals hopes alive with a 2-2 mark in the middle standings.

Five players scored in double figures for the Chameleons, with Jonah Sabete and Myla Pablo posting 18 points apiece. MJ Phillips had 17 points, while EJ Carino and Jackie Acuna contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.

The Vietnamese absorbed their third loss in four games despite Thu Kim Thanh Dang top scoring for 15 points. — Kristel Satumbaga-Villar