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The Creamline Cool Smashers during Day 2 of the AVC Champions League. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Creamline fell victim to the visiting Zhetysu VC, 16-25, 17-25, 17-25, on the second day of the AVC Women's Champions League, Monday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
This was the Philippines' second straight loss in the continental tilt after fellow PVL squad Petro Gazz was dealt a heartbreak earlier in the day.
After asserting dominance in the first two frames, the taller Kazakhs went on to rally early in the final frame, cruising to a fiery 6-1 start and held unto that cushion until the end of the match.
"Kazakhstan is really a good team. They are very tall and skilled players. But, I guess we have to polish a lot of things pa rin sa side namin in this game," said captain Alyssa Valdez after the match.
"I guess at the end of the day, we have to stick with our system pa rin and listen to our coaches. Kasi, this team [Kazakh] is very exposed and well experienced din, so kailangan kami rin," Valdez added.
READ: Creamline sweeps Al Naser Club for strong start in AVC Champions League
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"We [need to] bring our own chemistry and system in this league para kahit papaano 'yun 'yung aming advantage in this tournament."
American import Erica Staunton paced the Cool Smashers with nine points, while Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasiya Kudryashova only had six and five points, respectively. Valdez and Bernadeth Pons led the locals with four markers each.
READ: AVC: Petro Gazz becomes first PH team to lose, eyes bounce back vs HK squad
The Cool Smashers though remained in contention for a quarterfinal spot despite the loss.
Their first win proved pivotal, starting the tournament in the right manner after sweeping Jordan's Al Naser Club, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19.
A win by the Kazakhs over Al Naser Club on Tuesday will grant Creamline a spot in the next round.
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