CANDON CITY – In a rematch of the Reinforced Conference Finals, Creamline reaffirmed its dominance over Akari, sweeping them 26-24, 25-17, 25-16 to secure its second consecutive victory in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Candon City Arena on Saturday.
The Cool Smashers were bolstered by the return of three-time MVP Tots Carlos, who made her first appearance since missing the import-laden tournament and the Invitational Conference due to a knee injury.
Creamline’s win over Akari put them in a three-way tie with Cignal and PLDT, each with a perfect 2-0 record, sharing the top three spots.
“Syempre masaya kasi panalo kahapon, panalo ngayon. Pero ‘di pa naman tapos ‘yung mga games so try na ma-improve pa ‘yung team namin,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
(C) PVL Images
Except for a tightly contested opening set, Creamline barely broke a sweat in dispatching Akari, thanks to strong performances from Jema Galanza, Bea De Leon, and Bernadeth Pons.
Akari mounted a late comeback in the first set, overcoming a seven-point deficit with an 8-1 rally that tied the score at 24-all. However, a critical attack error from Fifi Sharma handed the Cool Smashers a match point, and Carlos sealed the set with a powerful spike to give Creamline a 1-0 lead.
From that point, Akari struggled to recover as Creamline finished the match in just an hour and 35 minutes, in front of a roaring crowd of 6,187 fans.
Galanza led the Cool Smashers with 13 points, alongside five excellent receptions and four excellent digs. De Leon was efficient, converting 10 of her 13 attacks, adding an ace and a kill block to finish with 12 points, while Pons contributed 10 points and four excellent digs.
Carlos, coming off the bench, entered during the first set with Creamline leading 15-11. She played a pivotal role in maintaining the lead, finishing with four points in her return.
Creamline will have a nine-day break before facing sister team Choco Mucho in a rematch of the All-Filipino Conference Finals on December 3 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) PVL Images
On the other hand, Akari suffered its first loss in the all-local tilt after starting the season with two wins.
Without one of its key players, the injured Soltones, Akari head coach Taka Minowa called on Erika Raagas to step up. Raagas responded with a team-high 11 points and six excellent digs. However, no other Akari player reached double digits, with Ivy Lacsina and Faith Nisperos managing only six and five points, respectively.
Akari will aim to bounce back on Saturday when they face Farm Fresh at the Philsports Arena.
