In front of a raucous crowd at the Philsports Arena, Creamline decisively swept a team so eager to complete a historic sweep, essaying a commanding 25-15, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Akari late Wednesday and solidifying the Cool Smashers’ legacy of dominance in the league.
Bernadeth Pons delivered an MVP-caliber performance, scoring 19 points with an ease that bordered on effortless. Her standout display she spiked with 12 excellent digs and 13 receptions, combined with solid contributions from the rest of the team, proved overwhelming for the overachieving Chargers.
“Sobrang saya, thank you Lord, since this is my first Reinforced championship,” said Pons.
As white confetti rained down on the victorious Cool Smashers, the moment not only celebrated Creamline’s continued dominance but also highlighted the strategic brilliance of coach Sherwin Meneses.
With key players like Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez sidelined by injuries and Jema Galanza committed to national team duties, Meneses masterfully managed his remaining lineup, orchestrating a dismantling of Akari’s championship dreams.
“All of our championships make me proud because each one is special, but this one stands out because we were missing a lot of key players,” said Meneses in Filipino when asked to compare their nine titles and which one ranks the highest. “Despite that, our players worked so hard, and we still managed to win the championship.”
Truly, the Cool Smashers’ performance was a testament to the experience and poise that have defined their rise to the pinnacle of the country’s premier volley league.
With the team's seamless transition of players, Meneses is optimistic about more championships in the future.
“Our bench players are still young, so I’m hopeful that Creamline’s success will continue,” said Meneses.
“We worked hard for this, training every day to prepare for this moment,” said Michele Gumabao, who has stepped into a leadership role in the absence of their three stars. “As long as we support each other with every point, we’re in this together. That’s what defines us.”
Despite facing a determined Akari squad determined to carve its own path to glory, Creamline dug deep, outplaying and outhustling its once-unstoppable rival in a surprising lopsided fashion.
The Chargers, riding the momentum of an unbeaten streak from the elimination rounds through the knockout quarterfinals and semifinals, relentlessly challenged the Cool Smashers in the opening set, sparking hopes of a historic sweep. However, when the pressure peaked in clutch moments, it was the Cool Smashers' battle-hardened composure and precise execution that ultimately made the difference.
In each frame, Creamline’s championship poise came to the fore, with the Cool Smashers consistently delivering under pressure. Their resolute defense, both on the floor and upfront, and timely hitting were too much for Akari, which faltered in crucial stretches, struggling to maintain their offensive rhythm and scrambling to keep the ball in play.
Pons shone brightly in her new role as Creamline’s go-to player, her stellar performance netting her the coveted Conference MVP plum.
Gumabao, Bea de Leon and Panaga added 10, eight and seven points, respectively, while Erica Staunton, who had been instrumental throughout the season, contributed 13 points in a solid support role following a career-high 38-point explosion against Cignal in the semis.
On the other side, Akari’s Oly Okaro struggled with just 14 points, her offensive rhythm disrupted by the solid Creamline net defense. She also lacked the consistent support needed to challenge the Cool Smashers as Grethcel Soltones finished with nine points, and Ivy Lacsina hobbled under the spotlight, finding herself repeatedly stifled by Creamline’s defensive wall led by de Leon and Panaga.
Camille Victoria added five markers while Lacsina and Kamille Cal matched four-point outputs and Joy Soyud and Ezra Madrigal added three and two points, respectively, for the Chargers.
While Akari fell short in its quest for a breakthrough title, the experience gained from this finals appearance will undoubtedly toughen the Chargers for future challenges. As the new season approaches, they’ll return with valuable lessons learned from this high-stakes encounter, determined to rise again.
That is, of course, if the Cool Smashers ever cool down.
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