The Creamline Cool Smashers continued their hot start to the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference, dismantling Ho Chi Minh City in straight sets, 25‑18, 25‑16, 25‑6, on Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers followed up their four‑set victory over the Nxled Chameleons in their tournament opener with an even more convincing performance, improving to 2‑0 and becoming the lone unbeaten team in the six‑team field.
Creamline Starts Strong, Dominates Late
Creamline never gave the Vietnamese side much room to settle into the match, dominating the attack battle, 49‑19. The Cool Smashers also had the edge at the net with 11 blocks to Ho Chi Minh City’s three and finished with a 5‑3 advantage in service aces.
The third set turned into a one‑sided affair almost immediately. Creamline opened with 10 unanswered points and continued to pull away, eventually taking an 18‑1 lead before closing out the 61‑minute contest.
Jaja Santiago‑Minowa continued to make an impact in her short stint with the Cool Smashers, following her 19‑point debut with 12 points in her second game.
Smashing Support From Creamline’s Core
Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos also scored 12 points apiece, with Galanza adding 10 excellent digs and 6 excellent receptions. Alyssa Valdez contributed 9 points and 10 excellent digs, while Kyle Negrito finished with 20 excellent sets and 2 points.
For head coach Sherwin Meneses, the dominant third set was a response to the struggles Creamline experienced in the same frame against Nxled.
“Syempre, sobrang saya, lalo na nung third set, kasi kahapon medyo ‘yung third set namin, medyo hindi ganun ka‑smooth,” said Meneses.
“Kaya ‘yun nga, nag‑improve kami nung third set. Talagang, kumbaga, lesson sa amin na maging maganda ‘yung laro namin nung third set. Nagtutulungan talaga ‘yung players para makuha ‘yung panalo,” he added.
The victory puts Creamline in an early position of strength heading into a tougher stretch of the Invitationals.
What’s Next
The Cool Smashers will face Farm Fresh on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ho Chi Minh City, meanwhile, remains winless at 0‑2. Dang Thi Kim Thanh led the Vietnamese side with eight points and five excellent digs.
The Vietnamese club will try to end its skid against defending champions PLDT High Speed Hitters on Thursday at 4 p.m.
