The Creamline Cool Smashers leaned on a vintage performance from team captain Alyssa Valdez to book a semifinal spot, eliminating the Akari Power Chargers, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, in the play-in final of the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil Centre.
Akari managed to extend the match after taking the third set behind Eli Soyud and Gretchel Soltones, but Creamline quickly regained control in the fourth. The Cool Smashers unleashed a 12-4 run to create separation, a cushion they never relinquished en route to the win.
“Siyempre, masaya ako kasi na-experience ulit namin ’yung ganitong labanan at siyempre panalo. Siyempre ’yung do-or-die games, marami na ring napagdaanan ’yung Creamline, so tiwala naman ako na sanay sila maglaro sa ganyan,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses. “Pero ’di pa tapos ’yung laban kasi may semis pa. ’Yun naman talaga ’yung target namin—manalo pa nang manalo,” he added.
Valdez Turns Back Clock for Creamline
Valdez turned back the clock with 20 points built on 19 attacks, along with 19 excellent digs, and 8 excellent receptions to lead Creamline. Bernadeth Pons added 13 points and 17 excellent digs, while Pangs Panaga chipped in 12. Tots Carlos finished with 10 points.
Kyle Negrito provided stability at setter, tallying 23 excellent sets, while libero Jen Nierva anchored the floor defense with 23 excellent receptions.
For Akari, Ivy Lacsina led the team with 13 points, while Fifi Sharma added 12. Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud contributed 11 points each.
What’s Next in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference
Saturday, April 11 • Mall of Asia Arena • Semifinals
Farm Fresh Foxies vs. Cignal Super Spikers, 4:00 p.m.
PLDT High Speed Hitters vs. Creamline Cool Smashers, 6:30 p.m.
