Creamline weathered a Petro Gazz storm and escaped with a pulsating  27-25, 23-25, 27-25, 26-24 victory to keep its title-retention bid alive in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the jam-packed Philsports Arena on Thursday, May 2.

With their backs against the wall following a five-set loss to the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, the Cool Smashers rallied from a 20-23 fourth-set deficit by uncorking a 6-1 run to capture the much-needed victory in this round-robin semifinal phase.

Jema Galanza stood tallest for Creamline and sizzled at the attack line in the crunch, including back-to-back down-the-line kills that sealed their win.

The hard-hitting spiker erupted for 23 points including 20 attacks.

“Nanginginig po ako ngayon. Hindi ko po ma-explain kung anong nararamdaman ko,” said Galanza moments after their triumph.

The return of Tots Carlos, who missed their match against Choco Mucho to participate in the Korean Volleyball (KOVO) Women’s Asian Quota Draft, also proved crucial in Creamline’s campaign as the 25-year-old opposite hitter unleashed 21 points built on 17 kills, three blocks and one ace.

Creamline crawled back from a 24-25 deficit in the critical third set with Carlos posting a solid block that tied the game at 25.

A crucial call on Alyssa Valdez’s attack put the Cool Smashers on a 26-25 lead before Aiza Pontillas’ crosscourt kill went wide, giving Creamline the needed 2-1 set boost.

The Cool Smashers’ triumph overshadowed the efforts of Brooke Van Sickle and Jonah Sabete, who finished with 22 points apiece for the Angels.

MJ Phillips’ stellar performance of 17 points also went to naught.

Petro Gazz provided stifling defense at the net, swatting away 17 blocked points including seven from Phillips. They also finished with only one attack short of the Cool Smashers, 61-62.

Petro Gazz, which won over Chery Tiggo in four sets, and Creamline must win their respective last semis matches on Sunday, May 5, to keep their finals campaigns alive.

The Angels are scheduled to clash with the Flying Titans, while the Cool Smashers will battle the Crossovers at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.