The Creamline Cool Smashers opened their 2026 PVL Invitationals campaign on a winning note, turning back the Nxled Chameleons, 25‑20, 25‑23, 23‑25, 25‑20, on Monday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Making her first competitive appearance for the Cool Smashers in five years, Jaja Santiago‑Minowa immediately made an impact, leading Creamline with 19 points on 17 attacks, one block, and one ace.
The victory put Creamline alongside defending champion PLDT at 1‑0 in the six‑team tournament, with Farm Fresh and Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City set to complete the opening‑day schedule.
Nxled Pushes Back in Third Set
Nxled kept the match from ending early after capitalizing on Creamline’s struggles in the third frame. With the Cool Smashers unable to pull away, an Alyssa Valdez attack error gave the Chameleons set point before Jonah Sabete‑Escamillan converted to cut the deficit to 2‑1.
Creamline regrouped in the fourth and regained control late. Leading 22‑20, Tots Carlos sparked the finishing run with a hit through the blockers before Valdez followed with an off‑speed attack. Sabete‑Escamillan then sent her final attempt wide, allowing the Cool Smashers to close out the match.
Meneses Praises Creamline’s Effort
“Masaya kami kahit na medyo nag‑struggle doon sa third set. Talagang hindi rin talaga nagpatalo nang mabilis yung Nxled,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses.
“Siyempre, with Jaja, talagang hahanapin namin yung talagang makakatulong siya, makakatulong kami. Kasi medyo yung third set talaga, familiarity yung hindi namin naibigay doon. Hopefully sa mga next game namin, maganda yung connection ni setter saka si Jaja,” he added.
Kyle Negrito orchestrated Creamline’s offense with 31 excellent sets while adding six points. Jema Galanza also delivered an all-around performance with 17 points, 14 digs, and 11 excellent receptions, while Carlos chipped in 14 points.
Valdez finished with 13 points and 12 receptions in the victory. Meanwhile, Sabete-Escamillan led the Chameleons with 20 points, 25 receptions, and 11 digs, while EJ Cariño added 18 points.
What’s Next
The Cool Smashers will look to make it two straight wins when they face Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. Nxled, meanwhile, will try to bounce back against PLDT at 1:30 p.m.
