Just when fans began to question whether they still had what it takes to defend their last remaining crown, Creamline delivered the perfect response.
The Cool Smashers dismantled one of their fiercest — if not their fiercest — rivals, Petro Gazz, in four sets, 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20, for a statement rebound win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Coming off a grueling five-set defeat to Akari last Saturday — a loss that became the talk of the town — Creamline silenced its doubters in emphatic fashion.
The team shut down a loaded Angels squad to even its record at 1-1 in Pool B of the tournament organized by Sports Vision.
(C) PVL Images
Courtney Schwan had taken the brunt of criticism after their setback against the Chargers despite her 26-point performance. This time, she responded with a vengeance.
The American outside hitter unleashed a game-high 27 points on 24 attacks and three blocks, while also contributing 16 excellent receptions in her first-ever PVL victory.
With Petro Gazz threatening to send the match into a deciding fifth set, Schwan took matters into her own hands. She spearheaded a blistering 6-0 run that turned a 12-15 deficit into an 18-15 advantage for the Cool Smashers in the tense closing stretch of the fourth.
The Angels refused to back down, staying within striking distance as Brooke Van Sickle’s thunderous spike trimmed the gap to two, 20-22.
But Schwan proved unstoppable. She delivered back-to-back kills to snuff out Petro Gazz’s rally, before a reception error from the Angels sealed the deal after two hours and 14 minutes — marking Creamline’s emphatic return to form.
“Actually, sobrang excited kami sa Petro Gazz na makalaban sila, knowing na every game talaga ng Petro Gazz at Creamline sobrang ganda,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses after their bounce-back win.
“Siyempre ‘yung mga players excited din, so medyo naging maganda ‘yung game namin, especially nung fourth set na nakahabol kami and na-sustain namin ‘yung lamang namin,” he added.
Alyssa Valdez tallied a triple-double of 14 points, 14 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions. Meanwhile, Tots Carlos added 14 points — all from attacks — to fuel Creamline’s statement victory in the conference powered by ICTSI, Mikasa, Milcu, and Fabriano.
Creamline will now head north to Ilagan, Isabela, as they aim for back-to-back wins when they face Galeries Tower on Saturday at the Capital Arena.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, the Angels struggled to find their rhythm early on. They fell short despite a strong fightback, dropping to 1-1 in the import-laced conference.
Brooke Van Sickle erupted for 26 points, built on 23 attacks, two aces, and one block. Foreign guest player Lindsey Vander Weide chipped in 17 points alongside 11 excellent digs and 10 excellent receptions in a losing effort.
Petro Gazz will look to bounce back against Chery Tiggo, also on Saturday.
