CEBU CITY — Defending champion Creamline opened its title-retention bid with a statement 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 victory over Akari before a record crowd in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Saturday night.
The Cool Smashers gave the massive Cebuano crowd plenty to cheer for, as 19,106 fans filled the SM Seaside Cebu Arena here to set a new attendance record at the venue.
“Sobrang saya kasi ‘yung Creamline kasama na naman sa history ng PVL. Masaya kami kasi ‘yung Creamline nandiyan ulit, tapos nanalo pa,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses after the win.
(C) PVL Images
Jema Galanza led the way with a game-high 16 points, along with 14 excellent receptions and eight excellent digs, as the Cool Smashers leaned on a balanced attack in the one-hour, 27-minute victory, with all 12 players who scored contributing to the win.
Jeanette Panaga chipped in seven points, while Michele Gumabao added six. Ishie Lalongisip and Bea De Leon contributed five points apiece, while Tots Carlos and team captain Alyssa Valdez had four each.
Jia De Guzman, who played her first game for Creamline this season, dished out 16 excellent sets, while Jennifer Nierva registered 14 excellent digs and six excellent receptions.
“Sobrang laki niyang tulong kasi, for example, ‘yung game ngayon, naging team effort ‘yung pagkapanalo namin. Actually, kami yata ‘yung may pinakamaraming players, so ‘yung buong conference is dapat talaga maging teamwork kasi all-to-play ‘yung conference,” Meneses said of his team’s performance.
“Kailangan i-adapt namin ‘yun. Malaking bagay sa amin na lahat ng players namin talagang nagco-contribute kapag pinapasok. Talagang kailangan nilang magtrabaho kapag ma-lineup sila. Malaking bagay sa amin,” he added.
Creamline’s depth proved to be a difference-maker, as its players made their presence felt on both ends of the court. The Cool Smashers dominated the statistical categories, holding a 46-32 advantage in attacks, an 8-3 edge in blocks, and a 4-3 lead in service aces.
The Cool Smashers will look to sustain their hot start when they face Galeries Tower on October 17 at 6 p.m. at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Ivy Lacsina led Akari with 12 points and seven excellent receptions, while Fifi Sharma added seven markers.
The Chargers will look to bounce back and secure their first win against Capital1 on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
