MANILA, Philippines — Stung by a missed outright semifinal berth, Creamline responded the way champions do – with composure, resolve and a statement finish.
The Cool Smashers shrugged off a third-set lapse and unleashed a commanding fourth-set rebound to turn back Akari, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, sealing the last Final Four berth in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference before a roaring Tuesday crowd at the FilOil Centre.
Foiled by Cignal in their earlier bid, Creamline refused to let history repeat itself after missing the semis in last year’s Reinforced Conference. Drawing from a tradition built on 10 league championships, the Cool Smashers leaned on experience when it mattered most – and it showed in a poised, purposeful closing act.
After surrendering control in Set 3, Creamline came out in the fourth with renewed urgency. What began as a tight exchange quickly turned into a showcase of championship character. The Cool Smashers broke free early through the frame with a decisive run, 12-4, turning a tense battle into a firm upper hand, then methodically shut the door on every Akari rally attempt.
Akari saved three match points, the last at 16, but Grethcel Soltones served into the net, dashing the Chargers’ hopes of a dramatic comeback and officially punching Creamline’s ticket to yet another semis appearance in two hours and 10 minutes.
The Final Four begins Saturday at the MOA Arena, with Creamline taking on PLDT at 6:30 p.m. following the 4 p.m. showdown between Cignal and Farm Fresh.
Alyssa Valdez delivered another vintage performance, finishing with 20 points, 19 excellent digs and eight receptions in a display of all-around brilliance.
“I’m speechless. We’ve been through so much as a team – a lot of struggles and challenges – but little by little, we still found a way to reach the semifinals,” said Valdez.
“We just stayed true to our culture. Even when we were struggling, we kept working until we found our footing during a very challenging time,” she added, referring to the team’s “Happy, Happy, Heart Strong” mantra.
Set 4 was a telling display of maturity and big-game composure – the kind that has defined Creamline’s dynasty. They took six of the first nine points and never relinquished control, absorbing pressure and answering every challenge with calm precision.
Earlier, Creamline needed a late push to snatch the opening set and dictated the tempo in the second before stumbling in the third, where Akari, behind Fifi Sharma and Soltones, mounted a strong counterattack to extend the match.
But when the match hung in the balance, the Cool Smashers’ championship DNA surfaced.
Valdez continued her explosive run, delivering timely hits and leadership, while Tots Carlos showed signs of regaining top form. Bernadette Pons provided energy off the bench, and Jema Galanza, despite limited minutes, remained a steady presence. At the net, Pangs Panaga anchored the middle with authority, while Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense masterfully, spreading the attack with clockwork precision, with Jia de Guzman this time providing reliable support.
Pons scored 13 points, while Panaga and Carlos added 12 and 10 points, respectively, anchoring the Cool Smashers’ dominance in spikes, 59-48.
Akari had four players reach double figures as well, with Ivy Lacsina posting 13 points. Fifi Sharma contributing 12, and Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud chipping in 11 apiece, and Grethcel Soltones adding seven.
Still, when the match hung in the balance, it was Creamline who delivered in the clutch.
The victory not only secured another semis appearance – extending Creamline’s culture of consistent contention – but also sent a clear message: the crowd favorites are once again built for the moment.
Akari, for its part, showed grit in the third set after a heartbreaking first-set collapse, even pulling away late behind Sharma and Soltones’ scoring burst. But against a battle-tested squad like Creamline, it wasn’t enough.
With the Final Four now set, Creamline heads into the round robin semis carrying momentum – and the unmistakable edge of experience in pressure-packed situations. TMT