Creamline showed none of the struggles it had in the group stage, stamping its class on Farm Fresh in straight sets, 25-19, 25-19, 26-24, to secure the final spot in the semifinals of the 2025 PVL On Tour, Saturday at the Philsports Arena.
Except for a late challenge in the third set, the Cool Smashers hardly broke a sweat in dismantling the Foxies. They have set up a semifinals clash against PLDT on August 12 at 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Rebisco-backed squad seemed poised to seal the win after Catlin Viray’s service error gave Creamline a 24-21 lead. But Farm Fresh launched a last-ditch rally to tie the score at 24-all.
However, the Cool Smashers maintained their composure, with Michele Gumabao delivering a clutch down-the-line hit to break the deadlock. Then Jeanette Panaga — aided by a fortunate net touch — sealed the win with a service ace, wrapping up the match in just an hour and 30 minutes.
(C) PVL Images
“First, talagang pinractice namin mabuti ‘yung ilalaro namin ngayon,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Sabi ko nga sa kanila, lahat ng team ngayon lumalaban so it’s better na bantayan natin ‘yung mga area natin individually. So ‘pag nagsama-sama ‘yun, magiging maganda ‘yung resulta,” he added.
This performance was a far cry from their struggles in the latter stages of the group phase, where back-to-back losses to Cignal and ZUS Coffee nearly derailed their campaign before bouncing back to secure a crucial win against Chery Tiggo.
Gumabao led the Cool Smashers’ offense with 15 points, built on 13 attacks, one ace, and one block, while team captain Alyssa Valdez added 12 points along with nine excellent receptions.
Jema Galanza contributed 10 points and six excellent digs in the victory.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense masterfully, delivering 21 excellent sets and contributing six points, including five from the service line.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Foxies had no answers all game, falling behind early in each set and struggling to build any momentum.
Trisha Tubu was the lone bright spot for Farm Fresh, scoring 20 points on 14 attacks, three blocks, and three aces.
Viray added nine points, all from attacks, while Rizza Cruz scored six points.
Foxies’ new additions Ces Molina and Riri Meneses suited up and went through warm-ups but were not fielded in the match.
