Creamline bounced back from a first-set stumble to edge Chery Tiggo EV in a hard-fought four-set duel, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17, securing a top-three finish in Pool B of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
After a stunning four-set loss to the Thunderbelles, the Cool Smashers struggled in the opening frame but recovered to claim the next two sets.
They then pulled away decisively in the fourth, gaining a crucial rebound win — and a boost of momentum heading into the next phase.
(C) PVL Images
“Yun naman ‘yung pinaka-importante eh, ‘yung maka-recover dun sa situation na medyo natatalo kami. ‘Yung situation na maka-recover kami sa two, three, and four [sets], napakalaking bagay,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Siyempre ‘yung total ng points ng team, distributed talaga ngayon so group effort ‘yung nangyari today. Thankful kami sa mga players na nag-contribute talaga sila sa game,” he added.
The victory allowed Creamline to advance to Pool C with a 3-2 record. They tied with Petro Gazz but claimed the upper hand in the tiebreaker thanks to superior points.
On the other hand, the final top-three spot remains contested. Akari is in prime position while the Angels hold only a slim chance.
American reinforcement Courtney Schwan starred in the tight win, contributing 29 points on 25 attacks, four of the team’s eight aces, and nine excellent receptions in the pivotal two-hour clash.
Tots Carlos showed flashes of her former lethal form, scoring 17 points on 15 attacks and adding two aces. Meanwhile, Jeanette Panaga anchored the defense at the net with five of Creamline’s 11 kill blocks, finishing with 16 markers.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense smoothly, dishing out 29 excellent sets and scoring four points, while Kyla Atienza tallied 16 excellent digs.
Michele Gumabao and Nica Celis also chipped in, contributing six and five points, respectively.
(C) PVL Images
For Chery Tiggo EV, Yunieska Bautista led the scoring with 22 points and 14 excellent digs. Cess Robles and Mylene Paat added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Alina Bicar provided 28 excellent sets, while Jennifer Nierva finished with 28 excellent digs.
The Crossovers concluded the first round in fifth place with a 1-4 record and will now move to Pool D, where they will face the top three finishers from Pool A.
