The Creamline Cool Smashers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Creamline has formalized its quarterfinals entry in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference.
This, as the Cool Smashers reasserted their mastery over sister team Choco Mucho, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23, on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Heading into the match, the defending champions are already mathematically assured of a playoff spot, having a superior points total over the rest of the bottom four teams in the standings, regardless of the results of the remaining playdates.
Creamline has never missed out on the playoffs since its foundation, and it will continue to do so.
After Sets 1 and 2 went their way easily, the final frame wasn't exactly a quick work as the Flying Titans tested the Cool Smashers' mettle.
But Sherwin Meneses' wards eventually found their way out as Coco Schwan, Michele Gumabao, and Pangs Panaga all contributed in the endgame with their kills, just as Royse Tubino fired an off-the-block hit that initially gave Choco Mucho a one-point 23-22 lead.
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"Siguro, I think nag-perform and nag-respond 'yung team namin sa game ngayon, especially 'yung mga outside hitter namin, medyo talagang nagtrabaho sa passing," said coach Sherwin Meneses during the postgame interview.
"'Yung mga bench player namin, talagang nag-deliver din. Siguro, teamwork talaga 'yung nagpanalo samin today."
Schwan, Creamline's import, stood out above the rest as she delivered a game-high 15 points built on 12 attacks, two blocks, and one ace; Gumabao had nine points, while Tots Carlos had eight markers and eight digs.
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Kyle Negrito was named Player of the Game after setting up her teammates with 18 excellent sets.
Meanwhile, Choco Mucho's playoffs hopes are slimmer than ever after the loss. It needs Petro Gazz to lose against Capital1 on Saturday to stay alive in the import-laden tourney.
Isa Molde paced the "Ube Nation" with 11 points, while foreign guest player Marlee Smith was held down to five points.
Creamline takes on Cignal on Tuesday, November 18, while Choco Mucho will duke it out against Akari on the same playdate.
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