Creamline overcame a first-set stumble before overwhelming Galeries Tower, 27-29, 25-18, 25-19, 25-18, in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Siklab series on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
After dropping the opening set, the Cool Smashers found their rhythm and outclassed the Highrisers over the next three frames to secure their second straight win. Creamline also forged a three-way tie with Choco Mucho and Nxled atop the standings at 2-0.
“Number one talaga, siyempre ‘yung first set na ‘yun, medyo talagang nag-struggle ‘yung team. Pero ‘yung game naman kung paano makaka-recover eh, kung sino ‘yung mananalo. ‘Yun ‘yung pinakaimportante na ginawa nila,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Di porke natalo nung first set, ‘yun nga, team effort talaga ‘yung game. Best sa’min na ‘yung focus ng team nandun kahit natalo kami sa first set. Naging maayos naman, naka-recover ng first set,” he added.
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Jia De Guzman orchestrated the Cool Smashers’ offense with precision. She recorded 16 excellent sets while scoring five points, as she helped keep Galeries Tower guessing with a balanced attack that gave Creamline multiple scoring options.
Twelve players scored for the Cool Smashers, led by Tots Carlos, who finished with a team-high 13 points, all from attacks.
Jema Galanza posted 12 points, 12 excellent digs, and 11 excellent receptions, while team captain Alyssa Valdez added eight points.
Bernadeth Pons also made a strong return to the Cool Smashers after representing the Philippines in the beach volleyball event of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026. She tallied eight points and 12 excellent digs.
Bea De Leon contributed eight points, while Jeanette Panaga and Michele Gumabao chipped in seven apiece to cap another balanced offensive performance for Creamline.
The defending champions’ advantage was most evident in their attacking game, where they outscored the Highrisers, 71-50, in attack points. Creamline also held a 9-4 edge in blocks, underscoring its dominance at the net.
Creamline will next face ZUS Coffee on Saturday at 6:00 PM at the same venue.
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Meanwhile, Galeries Tower absorbed its second consecutive loss to open the tournament.
Erika Deloria led the Highrisers with 21 points and 10 excellent receptions, carrying much of the team’s offensive load in the two-hour, eight-minute match.
Shola Alvarez added nine points, including three of Galeries Tower’s nine service aces, while Jean Asis also finished with nine points.
Facing one of her volleyball idols, rookie setter Lams Lamina recorded nine excellent sets in the match.
The Highrisers will look to snap their two-game skid against Nxled on Thursday at 1:00 PM at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
