The Creamline Cool Smashers looked every bit like the multi-time champions they are on Tuesday, bouncing back from a slow start to defeat the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18, in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Centre in San Juan on Tuesday, February 17.
Creamline dropped the opening set, 22-25, after struggling to find rhythm early. But the Cool Smashers quickly regrouped and imposed their system in the next three frames, steadily tightening their defense and controlling the tempo.
Creamline Turns Things Around
Setter Jia De Guzman orchestrated the turnaround, tallying 25 excellent sets while also contributing 10 points built on 6 attacks, 2 blocks, and 2 aces. Her steady play allowed Creamline’s offense to flow more efficiently as the match wore on.
“Siyempre, happy ako kasi ‘yung team effort na nangyari sa win namin today. Bench nag-deliver, so naka-recover kami sa situation na medyo malayo ‘yung lamang,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“So ‘yun naman ‘yung importante, kung paano makaka-recover ‘yung team. So, natututo kami sa mga ganong situation and siyempre, knowing ‘yung ZUS talaga, talagang beterano rin sila maglaro. Happy kami kasi nakuha namin ‘yung panalo.”
Bernadeth Pons led Creamline with 19 points and 16 excellent digs, while Tots Carlos added 12 points. Jema Galanza chipped in 11, and Pangs Panaga contributed 9 markers in a balanced team effort.
Chinnie Arroyo paced the Thunderbelles with 18 points on 14 attacks and 4 aces. Thea Gagate added 11 points built on 8 attacks, 2 blocks, and 1 ace.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Thursday, February 19, FilOil Centre
Akari Chargers vs. PLDT High Speed Hitters, 4:00 p.m.
Nxled Chameleons vs. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 6:30 p.m.
Creamline Cool Smashers
Saturday (February 21) vs. Capital1 Solar Spikers, 4:00 p.m., FilOil Centre
Choco Mucho Flying Titans
Thursday (February 26) vs. Galeries Tower Highrisers, 6:30 p.m., FilOil Centre
