VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR — Creamline spoiled the debut of new Capital1 head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, asserting its dominance with a commanding straight-set win, 25-10, 25-21, 25-10, to kickstart its 2025 PVL On Tour campaign on a high note, Sunday at the Chavit Coliseum here.
The Cool Smashers leaned on the battle-tested group of Jema Galanza, Michele Gumabao, Jeanette Panaga, Alyssa Valdez, and Kyle Negrito — as well as rookie Sheena Toring.
Together, they overpowered a Solar Spikers squad that struggled to keep pace and had no answers for their balanced attack and cohesive defense.
(C) PVL Images
Negrito was at the center of it all, orchestrating the fluid offense with 19 excellent sets while chipping in three points in the one-hour, 22-minute contest.
Galanza topped the scoring column with 12 points on nine attacks, two aces, and one block to go along with eight excellent digs. Meanwhile, Gumabao registered 11 points, 10 of which came from attacks, for Creamline.
Alas Pilipinas pool member Panaga anchored the net defense with three kill blocks to finish with 10 points. Valdez had an all-around effort of nine points, six excellent digs, and five excellent receptions, while Toring had five points, two from the service line, in just two sets played.
Also making their presence felt were reserves Lorie Bernardo, Pau Soriano, and Rose Vargas, who all made the most out of their rare opportunities due to the absence of Bea De Leon, Tots Carlos, and Denden Lazaro-Revilla.
Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses said that it’s important for the bench to stay ready, especially with the short turnaround, as they are set to battle Akari in less than 24 hours.
“Napaka-importante sa’min kasi siyempre, back-to-back games yung games namin. Hopefully makapagpahinga nang maganda ngayon para mas maganda yung laro bukas,” said Meneses.
Creamline joined Cignal as the early leaders in Pool B with identical 1-0 records.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, De Brito’s PVL return was met with a harsh welcome as the new-look Solar Spikers — playing without Alas Pilipinas standouts Bella Belen, the top pick in the recent PVL Draft, and Leila Cruz — struggled to establish rhythm on both ends.
They fell behind early and failed to recover against the 10-time PVL champions
Rovie Instrella paced Capital1 with seven points and four digs.
Shola Alvarez, Jorelle Singh, and KC Galdones all had five markers in the loss, while Trisha Genesis was held to just four points.
The Solar Spikers aim to rebound when they take on the HD Spikers at 4:00 PM tomorrow.
