Photo credit: PVL

Creamline wasn’t about to let its championship streak slip away without a fight.

With their backs against the wall, the Cool Smashers delivered a masterclass performance, sweeping Akari in straight sets, 25-18, 25-19, 25-19, to stay in contention for a Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference Finals spot at the Philsports Arena on Tuesday.

But the real battle is just around the corner. To keep their incredible seven-conference Finals streak intact, Creamline must now take down their sister team, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, in a high-stakes semifinal clash on Thursday.

And with the possibility of a playoff for the last championship slot, the stage is set for a thrilling finish.

Taking Care of Business

Before looking ahead to the do-or-die showdown with Choco Mucho, the Cool Smashers first had to get past an Akari squad that was riding high after a stunning five-set upset of the Flying Titans. But while the Chargers showed flashes of brilliance in that game, they faltered when it mattered most against Creamline.

The 10-time champions wasted no time asserting their dominance, shaking off their previous four-set loss to Petro Gazz. They methodically dismantled Akari, winning in contrasting styles—cruising in the first set, mounting a comeback in the second, and slamming the door shut in the third.

After Akari closed in at 13-14 in the final set, Bernadeth Pons took charge. She unleashed five of Creamline’s next six points, turning a tight contest into a comfortable lead at 21-15. Then, as if on cue, Alyssa Valdez put the finishing touches, delivering three of the team’s last four points, including a well-placed hit that sealed the win in just one hour and 23 minutes.

“We knew how important this game was—it was do-or-die, so we gave it our all while enjoying every moment,” said Pangs Panaga, who was a force in the first two sets and finished with 13 points.

Outplaying the Chargers

Pons led the Cool Smashers with 17 points, while Tots Carlos matched Panaga’s output with 13 markers. Valdez added nine, while Bea de Leon and Kyle Negrito chipped in four each.

But beyond the numbers, it was Creamline’s experience and composure that made the difference. Negrito orchestrated the offense with precision, tallying 24 excellent sets—10 more than Akari’s Michelle Cobb.

Meanwhile, the Chargers struggled to find a rhythm. Their top scorer, Eli Soyud, was held to just 11 points—a stark contrast to her career-best 34-point explosion against Choco Mucho. Ivy Lacsina, Faith Nisperos, and Ced Domingo also had quiet nights, combining for just 21 points.

The Final Test: Choco Mucho Awaits

The Cool Smashers have done their part, but their toughest challenge is yet to come.

Thursday’s showdown with the Flying Titans isn’t just about family bragging rights—it’s a must-win game for both teams with a Finals ticket on the line. With a potential playoff scenario looming, the intensity is at an all-time high.

Will Creamline’s championship pedigree carry them through? Or will Choco Mucho finally break through and dethrone the league’s gold standard?

One thing’s for sure—volleyball fans are in for an epic finish.