Creamline reasserted its might, control, and domination over Choco Mucho, coming away with a 27-25, 17-25, 25-21, 25-15 victory to bounce back after an opening-game stumble in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday night.
The sellout crowd got exactly what it came for – powerful, stinging attacks, sharp crosscourt hits, spectacular saves, imposing blocks, unmolested quicks, and, of course, the occasional miscue and mishit – from two of the league’s most popular squads. But when the match reached its most intense moments, it was Creamline’s championship pedigree that shone through, proving once again why the Cool Smashers are considered the benchmark in the league.
After a helter-skelter first set marked by superb blocking and poise that Creamline eventually claimed in extended fashion, Choco Mucho roared back with a commanding second-set victory to level the match. Yet the Cool Smashers regrouped with focus and precision, seizing the pivotal third set and then scuttling the Eya Laure-less Flying Titans in the fourth to secure the win in one hour and 57 minutes.
The victory evened the 10-time champions’ record to 1-1 after a disappointing opening loss to PLDT last Thursday, while dealing Choco Mucho its second straight defeat following a sweep of Akari.
After falling 1-2 in sets, Choco Mucho closed the gap to 4-8 in the fourth set on a blast from Laure. However, on the very next play, she collided with Tia Andaya while trying to keep the ball in play following a Tots Carlos attack.
Libero Tonnie Rose Ponce carried the limping Laure on her back to the bench and was later taken to the dugout for further assessment of leg issues that had surfaced in the third set.
Without Laure, Sisi Rondina tried to rally the Flying Titans, but against a highly charged Creamline side, it was only a matter of time before the cool Smashers wrapped up the match, which drew a crowd of 12,571 fans.
Carlos’ hammer that ricocheted off Rondina’s arms sealed an anti-climactic finish to a match that began with so much promise, turned lopsided results in the next two sets, and ultimately saw Creamline run away with the victory – largely aided by Laure’s unfortunate sidelining.
“Coming into this game, everyone’s mindset was to enjoy themselves, follow the coach’s (Sherwin Meneses) system, and apply what we practiced,” said Bernadette Pons, who delivered a stellar triple-double performance with 19 points, 18 excellent receptions, and 13 digs, in Filipino.
She added that she was extremely proud of her teammates, saying, “Everyone gave their all and showed incredible hustle and effort.”
After managing just two points against PLDT, Pangs Panaga bounced back in a big way with a 12-point performance, while Jema Galanza likewise rediscovered her scoring touch, finishing with 11 points after a four-point outing in the opener.
Tots Carlos matched Galanza’s output with 11 markers of her own, while playmaker Jia De Guzman made her presence felt across the board with eight points, highlighted by three kill blocks, on top of delivering 20 excellent sets.
On the other side, Laure was on pace to breach the 20-point mark before being sidelined, but her 19-point output still topped Choco Mucho’s scoring parade. Rondina finished with 15 points but was slowed down late in the match by the Cool Smashers’ unrelenting defense.
Lorraine Pecaña chipped in 10 points, while Jaila Atienza and Kat Tolentino combined for 15 markers, as Choco Mucho once again found itself outmatched when it mattered most.
For a team with Creamline’s illustrious history, beginning a campaign with consecutive losses is unacceptable – and the Cool Smashers made it clear that they would not let an early setback define their season.
De Guzman’s leadership and calm under pressure also epitomized Creamline’s collective resolve to reclaim control and reaffirm their superiority.
The victory also reinforced Creamline’s longstanding dominance over Choco Mucho. The Cool Smashers have consistently held the upper hand in virtually every meaningful encounter between the two squads, including two championship-series victories that widened the gap between the sister teams.
Against Choco Mucho, Creamline’s blend of experience, depth and mental toughness continues to be the deciding factor.
Individually, Pons continued to sizzle after marking her return to Creamline with a 13-point performance against the High Speed Hitters. But it was the contributions of Panaga, Galanza and Carlos that truly powered the team throughout the match. Their combined efforts helped secure the win and kept the Cool Smashers firmly in contention, tied with the Galeries Tower Highrisers and the Capital1 Solar Spikers at 1-1.
Creamline’s victory was more than just a rebound – it was a statement. For a team that has amassed multiple championships, the message is clear: early setbacks are temporary, and when it comes to crucial matchups, the Cool Smashers’ experience, discipline and unyielding resolve ensure that they remain the team to beat in the league organized by Sports Vision.
