Top-ranked Creamline took care of business in dominant fashion, sweeping Nxled, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17, to punch an outright quarterfinal ticket in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference qualifying round on Thursday night at the Philsports Arena.
As the heavy favorites, the Cool Smashers lived up to expectations, showcasing their firepower and depth to dispatch the Chameleons in just one hour and 21 minutes. Head coach Sherwin Meneses utilized his deep bench, with 10 players contributing at least three points in the victory.
Bea De Leon led the charge with 12 points built on six attacks, five blocks, and an ace, while setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense masterfully, dishing out 15 excellent sets and adding four points of her own.
Tots Carlos chipped in nine points, while Jeanette Panaga and Michelle Gumabao tallied seven each. Team captain Alyssa Valdez, Rose Vargas, Bernadeth Pons, and Jema Galanza all contributed four points apiece, with Lorie Bernardo adding three in Creamline’s well-balanced attack.
(C) PVL Images
“Syempre happy ako, happy din ‘yung team kasi maganda ‘yung position namin papasok ng quarterfinals. Medyo makakapag-prepare kami ng matagal,” said Meneses.
“About sa mga players naman, talagang everytime naman pinapasok sila, talagang ready sila. Hopefully sa mga next games, magawa namin ulit ‘yung support ng mga bench players namin,” he added.
The Cool Smashers dominated across all departments, finishing with 47 attacks, five kill blocks—all courtesy of De Leon—and six service aces. In contrast, Nxled managed just 33 attacks, one block, and two aces.
With the win, Creamline now awaits the winners of the play-ins for their quarterfinal matchup, set to begin on March 15.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Nxled fell to the play-ins, where they will battle for the last two quarterfinal spots.
Chiara Permentilla paced the Chameleons with 14 points—all from attacks—while also tallying 18 excellent receptions and six excellent digs. Jaycel Delos Reyes and EJ Laure added six and five points, respectively, in the loss.
