Creamline rediscovers magic in much-awaited PVL finals return

MANILA, Philippines – It feels just like good, old times for Creamline as the Cool Smashers found their way back to the PVL finals.

With the usual suspects taking charge, Creamline reached the title series for a record-extending 15th time after a 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19 win over Farm Fresh in the semifinals of the All-Filipino Conference on Thursday, April 16, at the San Juan Arena.

Tots Carlos fired 15 points, Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga supplied 13 points each, while Bernadeth Pons tallied a triple-double of 12 points, 17 excellent digs, and 17 excellent sets as the Cool Smashers — the winningest team in PVL history with 10 titles — ended a three-conference finals drought.

Creamline finished with the same 2-1 record as Cignal in the round-robin semifinals — the two teams arranging their first title clash since the 2024 Invitational Conference, where the Cool Smashers captured their last championship. 

“Other teams are trying to get stronger, and they’re building competitive lineups, but Creamline’s core remains intact. That’s a blessing for us — that it’s the same people who are playing. And that’s probably going to be our advantage: the team’s chemistry,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses in a mix of English and Filipino. 

After accomplishing the first-ever PVL Grand Slam following their sweep of the three titles in the 2024 season, the Cool Smashers hit an uncharacteristic slump as they went without a championship in the 2024-25 campaign. 

They settled for a runner-up finish in the All-Filipino joust last season, placed third in the PVL on Tour and Invitational Conference, then bowed out of the quarterfinals in the Reinforced Conference.

It looked like the Cool Smashers’ glory days were over, but they showed they can once again weave their magic when they have the old band back together.

Reinforcements came for Creamline this conference, with star setter Jia de Guzman coming back after being away from the PVL for three years following a stint in Japan and Pons returning to the fold after missing a huge chunk of last season due to her commitment to the Alas Pilipinas beach volleyball team. 

The champion squad they are known for, the Cool Smashers overcame two do-or-die matches to get a crack at another championship. 

“Our journey back to the finals was never easy,” said Pons. “This conference is really special because we have been tested since the eliminations. We had a hard time against every team we faced.”

The best-of-three finale begins on Tuesday, April 21, at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We’re very happy, but the job is not finished. We need to prepare and go back to work so we can achieve our goal this conference,” said Pons. – Rappler.com