VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Creamline fended off a gritty challenge from Akari to come away with a hard-fought four-set win, 27-25, 22-25, 25-19, 25-18, securing a share of the early lead in Pool B of the 2025 PVL On Tour on Monday night at the Chavit Coliseum here.
The Cool Smashers split the first two sets with the Chargers, who were eager to bounce back from their previous loss. But Creamline regained momentum in the next two frames to improve to 2-0 and tie Cignal at the top of the group standings.
With one set away from sealing the match, Creamline exploded to a 13-5 start in the fourth, punctuated by a booming service ace from Michele Gumabao that deflated Akari’s hopes of a comeback.
(C) PVL Images
“Siyempre happy kami dahil kahit back-to-back yung games namin, kasi first time na mangyari sa ‘min talaga na magkasunod na araw. Siguro marami pa kaming i-improve para magtuloy-tuloy yung magandang laro namin,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Gumabao led the charge for Creamline with 18 points, 14 of which came from attacks. Team captain Alyssa Valdez delivered an all-around performance with 16 points built on 13 attacks, two aces, and a block, while also tallying 18 excellent receptions.
Jema Galanza notched a triple-double with 12 points, 18 excellent digs, and 10 excellent receptions. Jeanette Panaga chipped in eight markers.
Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 40 excellent sets and added six points, while Denden Lazaro-Revilla contributed 11 excellent digs while sharing the floor defense duties with Kyla Atienza.
Creamline will next face Cignal on July 1 at 6:30 PM at the Playtime Filoil Centre, with the solo lead in Pool B on the line.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Akari fell to 0-2 to start their PVL On Tour campaign.
After coming off the bench against Cignal on Sunday, Grethcel Soltones returned to the starting lineup and delivered 18 points, 17 of which were off attacks.
Ced Domingo chipped in 12 points on nine attacks and three blocks against her former team, while Eli Soyud added 11 markers.
The Chargers aim to notch their first win when they face ZUS Coffee on July 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
