The Creamline Cool Smashers. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA (UPDATED) — Creamline punched the last ticket to the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Semifinals.
The Cool Smashers made a return to the semis—after missing out in the 2025 Reinforced—by sending Akari packing, 25-23, 25-20, 16-25, 25-16, in the play-ins on Tuesday at the Filoil Centre in San Juan.
They rebounded in the final frame after getting outplayed in the set prior, unleashing a 12-4 run to create a cushion so wide the Chargers could not make their way back into the match.
The Tina Salak-coached squad survived three match points, only for Grethcel Soltones' serve to hit the net — a crucial error that sent Creamline to the next round.
READ: PVL: Vintage Alyssa Valdez wills Creamline to semis berth
Alyssa Valdez took charge once more, proving why she is "The Phenom" with 20 points, 19 excellent digs and eight excellent receptions, leading the pack through the offense and defense.
"I'm very, very happy and proud sa lahat ng teammates ko, hindi lang dito sa game na 'to, but during practices, talagang binibigay na namin lahat para ready and prepared kami for today's game," said the 32-year-old veteran.
READ: PVL: Pons, Creamline vow to return stronger after fumbling bid to secure semis slot vs Cignal
She did not act alone, with Bernadeth Pons (13 points), Pangs Panaga (12 points), and Tots Carlos (10 points) all providing valuable contributions too to the Creamline scoring.
Behind all of that was Kyle Negrito, who had a surprise starting role for tonight's crucial match, listing 23 excellent sets to orchestrate the Cool Smashers' spiking.
READ: PVL: Creamline's Alyssa Valdez welcomes 'healthy competition' vs Cignal
On the other hand, Akari showed glimpses of its potential in the tournament, highlighted by a winning streak that lasted for several matches, including a preliminary round win over Creamline.
Before bowing out, Ivy Lacsina had 13 points, Fifi Sharma chipped in 12, while Ced Domingo and Eli Soyud also had 11 markers each for Akari.
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