NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Creamline gave the volleyball fans of Victorias City exactly what they came for – a showcase of the brand of volleyball that has made the Cool Smashers one of the PVL’s most formidable teams.
Even with nothing at stake in the standings, Creamline and Galeries Tower played with the intensity and class of a regular-season showdown. The Highrisers produced their share of spirited exchanges and impressive stretches, but the multi-titled Cool Smashers simply had too much talent, polish and experience.
Creamline pulled away at the crucial moments to fashion out a 25-21, 25-16, 25-21 victory over Galeries Tower and close out the PVL On Tour Showdown here late Saturday.
“We’re just happy to win,” said crowd favorite Alyssa Valdez, who earned the game’s top honors after scoring 10 points. “It’s the motivation and inspiration to keep improving and stay in shape for our fans from different parts of the country.”
Creamline, bolstered by the much-anticipated debut of Japanese recruit Sachi Minowa (Jaja Santiago), squandered an early 4-0 lead in the third set but rallied from a three-point deficit late in the frame before displaying the endgame poise that has defined their rise to the top of the PVL throne time and again.
“It’s overwhelming to play again here, especially in Bacolod. Sobrang dami ng supporters ng both teams dito sa Victorias Arena,” Minowa said.
Minowa had already seen action for Creamline in a recent friendly against sister team Choco Mucho in Cagayan de Oro, but this was her first appearance in an official Creamline match. Although the preseason encounter carried no bearing on the standings, the former Chery Tiggo standout’s debut was eagerly awaited – and warmly received – by more than 7,000 crowd that erupted every time she stepped into the action.
Yet the loudest cheers were reserved for Valdez, whose every attack seemed to rekindle memories of the veteran star at her most dominant. Every Creamline hit, dig and drop shot drew roars from the stands, with fans chanting the names of their favorite players almost throughout the match.
The Highrisers, to their credit, also enjoyed strong support from the crowd. Aiza Pontillas, Jean Asis and Bacolod native Erika Deloria were greeted with cheers for every determined attack and defensive gem as Galeries Tower battled gamely against the powerhouse Cool Smashers.
But Creamline, even without Michelle Gumabao, simply had too much firepower and poise for the Highrisers to contain. The Cool Smashers steadily imposed their class and experience, closing out the match in straight sets for the fifth shutout victory in 12 games on Tour schedule.
The win capped the six-week On Tour Showdown, a traveling preseason series that brought top-level volleyball action to Isabela, Batangas City, Ilocos Sur, Cotabato City, Lanao del Norte and Negros Occidental.
For Creamline, it was another emphatic finish to a tour defined by star power, growing chemistry and the unmistakable roar of fans eager to see their beloved Cool Smashers back in action.
The opening set unfolded in a tight, back-and-forth battle, with the Highrisers matching Creamline’s intensity for much of the way before the Cool Smashers broke away in the closing stretch.
Creamline then took control early in the second, turning a 13-5 lead into a nine-point rout. A Galeries Tower service error helped fuel the surge, while Bea de Leon capped the run with an ace as the Cool Smashers seized command.
Refusing to yield, Galeries Tower rallied from an early deficit in the third frame, surging to three-point leads, the last at 14-11 on a Jema Galanza violation. Creamline, however, charged back to tie the score at 17, with both teams mixing in several impact plays that kept the Victorias City crowd entertained and appreciative.
They battled to two more deadlocks, the last at 20, before Creamline scored back-to-back points. Galeries Tower stayed within striking distance after a Creamline service error, but a Bea de Leon block on Jade Gentapa gave the Cool Smashers a two-point cushion.
Valdez then broke a fierce, tension-filled exchange with a witty drop ball to put Creamline at match point. Galeries Tower had earlier called for a floor-touch challenge, but the appeal was unsuccessful.
With the match on the line, Kyle Negrito fed Pangs Panaga for a running attack, and the Creamline middle blocker delivered with a down-the-line hit to seal the straight-sets victory in one hour and 24 minutes.
Galanza finished with seven points, while Minowa, Panaga ang Tots Carlos added six points apiece for the Cool Smashers.
Jean Asis led the way for Galeries Tower, which also drew six points from Deloria, five from Alyssa Bertolano and four apiece from Shola Alvarez and Roselle Baliton.
For Galeries Tower, the loss was another valuable test against one of the league’s established powerhouses. The Highrisers showed flashes of their own identity, resilience and fighting spirit – encouraging signs for a team still building not only momentum but also its reputation in a league crowded with championship-caliber squads.
Creamline, meanwhile, added another convincing performance to its preseason campaign after scuttling Nxled in a four-set victory in Isabela last July.
Galeries Tower finished its three-match preseason stint with one victory against two losses, but Saturday’s showdown offered the emerging squad another glimpse of the level it will need to reach – and another opportunity to measure its progress against the league’s best.
