Creamline showed why championship experience remains its greatest weapon, shaking off a rare first-set stumble against unfancied Galeries Tower to fashion out a 27-29, 25-18, 25-19, 25-18 victory and force a three-way tie for the lead in the PVL All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series at the FilOil Centre in San Juan late Saturday.
Stunned by the Highrisers’ gritty stand in an extended opening-set duel, the Cool Smashers responded with the poise, firepower and depth that have defined their championship pedigree, dominating the next three frames to complete the two-hour, eight-minute victory before a cheering pro-Creamline crowd.
The loss of the opening set was an uncommon setback for a team accustomed to overcoming adversity, particularly against an opponent not considered among the conference favorites. But rather than let the setback linger, Creamline regrouped and took control, turning a tense encounter into a commanding finish.
After surrendering the first frame in a two-point thriller, the Cool Smashers raised their level of play and won the next three sets by convincing margins of seven, six and seven points. The emphatic response underscored their ability to absorb an early blow and strike back with authority as they tied the Nxled Chameleons and the Choco Mucho Flying Titans in the early lead.
"We had a slow start, we had a hard time to execute where we had to deal with our basic errors, including blocking on the right side," said Tots Carlos, who spearheaded the attack with 13 points.
Carlos also credited their resurgence to rediscovering their rhythm following a challenging campaign last season, leaning back on the team’s classic "happy, happy" mantra.
Creamline’s depth was on full display as multiple players stepped up. Jema Galanza delivered a stellar all-around performance with 12 points, 12 excellent digs and 11 receptions, while Alyssa Valdez chipped in 10 markers.
Bea de Leon anchored the net defense with eight points, including four blocks, alongside Michele Gumabao and Pangs Panaga, who added seven points each. Rose Vargas and playmaker Jia de Guzman rounded out the balanced offense with five points apiece, with De Guzman orchestrating the attack with 16 excellent sets.
Erika Deloria fought valiantly to keep Galeries Tower afloat, leading all scorers with 21 points. Shola Alvarez and Jean Asis provided 11 and nine markers, respectively, but the Highrisers ultimately lacked the depth to match Creamline's high-gear offense in the last three sets, sliding to their second consecutive defeat.
The Cool Smashers exploited their power and quickness while sharpening their ball distribution, making it increasingly difficult for Galeries Tower to sustain its defensive resistance at the net and across the floor.
