Missing several key pieces, the Creamline Cool Smashers still found a way to get the job done.
The Cool Smashers leaned on their championship depth to overcome a short-handed Nxled Chameleons squad, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19, and open their 2026 PVL On Tour campaign on a winning note on Wednesday at the Capital Arena.
Creamline Draws Solid Games All Around
Creamline played without Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea de Leon, and Jeanette Panaga, while longtime playmaker Jia de Guzman remains with Alas Pilipinas for national team duties.
But the Cool Smashers proved they still had enough firepower as Michele Gumabao came off the bench and delivered a match-high 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
Lorie Bernardo added 13 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip made her Creamline debut with 9 markers just months after facing her new team in the All-Filipino Conference Finals.
Jema Galanza and Rose Vargas chipped in eight points apiece, while Kyle Negrito paced the offense with 16 excellent sets.
Denden Revilla and Ella de Jesus also provided stability on defense, finishing with 16 excellent receptions and 9 excellent digs, respectively.
“Siyempre, masaya ako kasi nag-perform nang maganda ‘yung team namin. Kahit ‘yung mga seniors namin ‘di nakalaro, ‘yun naman ‘yung maka-experience sila ng ganitong laro. Magandang laro. So, masaya,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
Cool Smashers Wobble But Recover in Time
After dropping the third set, the Cool Smashers regained control late in the fourth frame.
Protecting a narrow 17-15 advantage, Creamline created separation through a 3-0 run powered by Gumabao and Vargas to build a 20-15 cushion.
Nxled tried to stay within striking distance, but Gumabao and Sheena Toring delivered back-to-back points to put the Cool Smashers at match point, 24-18.
EJ Cariño extended the match with a point for the Chameleons before Bernardo ended the contest with an off-the-block hit.
MJ Phillips led Nxled in the loss, while Cariño posted a double-double of 11 points and 14 excellent receptions. Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete-Escamillan also scored 11 points each.
Gel Cayuna, playing her first match for the Chameleons, tallied 22 excellent sets and 3 points off the bench.
What’s Next for Both Teams
Creamline returns to action on August 8 against the Capital1 Solar Spikers in Santiago, Isabela, while Nxled looks to bounce back against Capital1 on July 25 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur.
