Creamline overcame a sluggish start to eliminate Nxled, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18, and open Pool C of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on a high note, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The Cool Smashers stumbled in the opening set before quickly regaining their composure in the next, stringing together back-to-back victories to tighten their grip on the second seed of the group.
The win improves their record to 4-2.
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses attributed their slow start to miscommunication. But once the Cool Smashers found their rhythm in the second set, there was no stopping them as they seized full control of the match.
“‘Yun nga, ‘yung mindset namin is ‘yung situation, kailangan muna maka-recover sa mga errors and maybe sa mga miscommunication namin nung first set. Happy naman kami kasi naka-recover kami from two to fourth sets,” Meneses said.
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Tots Carlos, who came off the bench, ignited a blistering 12-4 start in the fourth frame. Then Creamline blew the gap wide open to double digits, capped by back-to-back Alyssa Valdez conversions for a commanding 22-12 lead.
Spanish reinforcement Paola Martinez kept the Chameleons alive, uncorking four points in a 5-0 swing that put their side to within five, 17-22. However, Jaja Maraguinot committed a costly service error that swung the momentum back to the defending champions.
Martinez tried to revive Nxled’s hopes with a powerful cross-court hit, but American import Courtney Schwan hammered one in. An error from Martinez then sealed the win for the Cool Smashers after an hour and 44 minutes of play.
“Siguro nag-adjust lang ng kaunti sa second six. Sabi nga ni Coco kanina, lucky kami dun sa ibang breaks talaga napupuna sa’min so wala naman siguro. Same lang kasi ‘yung team namin, kahit sino ‘yung ipasok mo naman alam naman nila ‘yung gagawin nila,” Meneses said.
Schwan posted a triple-double of 14 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 14 excellent digs to lead Creamline. Michele Gumabao added 13 points on nine attacks, two aces, and two blocks.
Jeanette Panaga tallied 12 points, while Carlos added 11 markers in a reserve role.
Creamline will take on Choco Mucho in a much-anticipated affair on Thursday, 6:30 PM at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in hopes of boosting its quarterfinal chances.
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On the other hand, the winless Nxled bowed out of the tournament after suffering its sixth straight loss.
Martinez once again paced the Chameleons, who committed 27 errors in the match, with 18 points on 16 attacks, one block, and one ace.
Team captain Chiara Permentilla registered 14 points, while rookie Lyann De Guzman had an all-around showing of nine markers, 11 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions in the defeat.
Nxled will look for its first win against Akari also on Thursday at 4:00 PM.
