Michele Gumabao spiked for the Cools Smashers in the fourth set. Photo PVL
MANILA, Philippines – Michele Gumabao was determined to atone for Creamline’s previous loss to F2 Logistics and the veteran driver opposite picked the perfect time to get the job done.
This time, with more riding in the game, Gumabao scored eight of her 20 points in the fourth set to deliver Creamline’s first win over F2 Logistics, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 25-15, in game 1 of the PVL All-Filipino Conference semi-final on Saturday at Philsports Arena.
Gumabao made a costly foul in their fifth set knockout match last month.
“Of course, I want to make up [for my mistakes] from the previous game,” Gumabao said in Filipino after finishing with 20 points based on 19 strikes.
“That last game had a big impact on me. I want to give it back to my teammates. My thoughts are to redeem myself. I started to shake a bit but the trust of my teammates and the coach was always there. That was a big boost for me. I just have to try and try until you succeed,” she added.
WATCH: Volleyball player Michele Gumabao speaks to the press after Creamline’s win over F2 Logistics. #PVLAFC2023 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/za3G6zvXP9
– INQUIRER sports (@INQUIRERsports) March 18, 2023
In their first two games against F2 Logistics, Creamline fell in five sets both times.
But in the more important match that pushed them closer to a return to the Finals, the Cool Smashers won a match without the two best players of either team with Alyssa Valdez sidelined for right knee injury and F2 Logistics’ newest star Myla Pablo has nagging injuries.
“Better late than never,” said Gumabao. “The good thing is that it happened here in the semi-final. But the coach always tells us to focus on our team, not the opponent.”
“There are still shortcomings and flaws that we are trying to fix. That’s what we must continue practicing before our next match.”
Gumabao managed to maintain their hunger as the Cool Smashers attempted to end the series against Cargo Movers in Game 2 on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
“We will continue to work. In the final stages of the tournament, there will be no rest and we will need to continue to start practicing, listening to the instructions and reports of the coaches. and for us, we have to do the right thing,” said Gumabao.
BUT RELATED STORY
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your registration has been successful.
Continue reading
Register QUESTIONER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and more than 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to news, download as early as 4am and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For feedback, complaints or requests, Contact us.
