Creamline overcame a stiff challenge from Galeries Tower in the fourth set to complete a 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23 victory in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference on Tuesday night at the Filoil Centre.
The Cool Smashers showed their championship poise late in the fourth frame, fending off the determined Highrisers to extend their winning streak to four games and tie PLDT for second place with identical 4-1 records.
Creamline appeared on track to close out the match after a blazing 12-1 start in the fourth set. However, Galeries Tower refused to fold, slowly chipping away at the deficit until back-to-back aces from Julia Coronel pulled them within a point, 23-24.
Fortunately for the 10-time champions, Pangs Panaga delivered in the clutch. She hammered a quick attack through the Highrisers’ defense to seal the victory for the Cool Smashers after one hour and 46 minutes of play.
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“Sa tingin ko, ‘yung sa lahat ng mga situation na nangyari kanina, may panget, may maganda, pero siyempre nanalo kami,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Maging happy kami, maging kontento kami sa panalo. Pero siyempre, marami pa talagang pagtatrabahuhan yung team.”
Tots Carlos fired a game-high 19 points on 16 attacks, two aces, and one block, while Bernadeth Pons contributed 15 points built on 10 attacks, three aces, and two blocks for the Cool Smashers.
Jema Galanza added 12 points, all from attacks, along with 11 excellent receptions. Panaga finished with 11 markers on six attacks, three aces, and two kill blocks in the win.
Jia De Guzman orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets, while Kyla Atienza — returning for the first time since recovering from a tear in her left elbow — tallied 11 excellent digs in her comeback game. Jen Nierva chipped in 12 excellent receptions.
Creamline aims to stretch its winning run to five games when it faces the struggling Nxled on Saturday at 4:00 PM at the same venue.
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On the other hand, the Highrisers dropped to ninth place with a 2-4 record.
Jean Asis paced Galeries Tower with 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks. Meanwhile, Erika Deloria had 11 points, 11 excellent digs, and six excellent receptions.
Galeries Tower will take on PLDT next Tuesday at 4:00 PM, also at Filoil.
