Daily Fantasy: 'YUN OH! NANDITO NA ANG PBA
The 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League got underway on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday, and two of the three representatives of the Philippines made their debuts in the multi-nation competition. Here’s a recap of the action:
Creamline Endures Tight First Set, Drubs Al Naser via Sweep
The Creamline Cool Smashers, fresh from their runner-up finish in the 2024–25 PVL All-Filipino Conference, showed no ill effects of their heartbreaking championship loss as they swept Al Naser of Jordan, 29-27, 25-20, 25-19, to wrest the early lead in Pool A of the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
Creamline, though, had to endure some tense moments in the first set as the young but relentless Jordanian six put up a tough fight. Much of the Cool Smashers’ early difficulties appeared to be caused by a lack of chemistry and cohesion as the 10-time PVL champs had to reintegrate American reinforcement Erica Staunton and assimilate newcomers Rhea Villarete, Kazakh middle blocker Anastassiya Kolomoyets, and Russian outside hitter Anastasya Kudryashova.
But the Cool Smashers did find their rhythm eventually and started asserting their will against their young foes. Staunton led the way for Creamline with 19 points on 15 kills, including the team’s final five to notch the win. Alyssa Valdez added 10, while Kolomoyets and Kudryashova chipped in 9 and 8 points, respectively.
PLDT Steamrolls Queensland in 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League
The PLDT High Speed Hitters left no doubt they are ready for the international spotlight with a 25-19, 25-12, 25-12 drubbing of Australia’s Queensland Pirates in their opening match at the 2025 AVC Women’s Champions League.
But, at least early in the match, it looked like the lights of international play were too bright for the High Speed Hitters, who fell behind 1-6 to start the first set. PLDT ultimately settled down behind the irrepressible Savi Davison and outscored Queensland 24-13 to get the first set—with the returning Kim Dy providing two powerful kills to cap off the comeback.
Davison finished with 14 points on top of 8 excellent digs as she powered PLDT’s dominance in the next two sets. Mika Reyes added 11 on 9 attacks, 1 block, and 1 ace, while import Wilma Salas contributed 10 points to go along with her 15 excellent digs and 4 excellent receptions.
