Creamline Overcomes Early Scare to Defeat Nxled in Four Sets
Creamline Cool Smashers bounced back from a first-set loss to overpower Nxled Chameleons, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18, and open Pool C of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference with a victory on Thursday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan.
The defending champions shook off a sluggish start and tightened their grip on a quarterfinal spot, improving to a 4-2 record while sending Nxled to the brink of elimination with a 0-6 slate.
Despite Alyssa Valdez seeing limited action, the Cool Smashers showed their trademark composure and depth, led by import Courtney Schwan, who turned in an all-around performance with a triple-double — 14 points, 15 excellent receptions, and 14 excellent digs.
Veteran Michele Gumabao provided the spark for the locals, scoring 13 points built on nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces, while Jeanette Panaga anchored the middle with 12 points, including four service aces.
Off the bench, Tots Carlos made a timely impact with 11 markers, helping Creamline control the pace in the latter sets.
After dropping the opening frame, the Cool Smashers flipped the momentum in the second set with a dominant 25-13 finish. From there, Creamline’s offense and net defense clicked, outblocking Nxled 10-6 and outserving them 10-5.
In the fourth set, Carlos fueled a blazing 12-4 start, and Valdez later joined the scoring spree with back-to-back kills that stretched the lead to 22-12. Nxled tried to rally behind Spanish import Paola Martinez, who sparked a 5-0 run to trim the deficit to five, but a service error by Jaja Maraguinot halted their comeback.
(Video from the YouTube Channel of One Sports)
Martinez led the Chameleons with 18 points on 16 attacks, while team captain Chiara Permentilla chipped in 14 markers. Rookie Lyann De Guzman also impressed with nine points, 11 excellent digs, and nine excellent receptions in the losing effort. However, Nxled’s 27 costly errors proved too much to overcome.
The Cool Smashers will next face archrival Choco Mucho Flying Titans on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in a crucial matchup for their quarterfinal bid. Nxled, meanwhile, will try to salvage its campaign against Akari Chargers earlier that same day at 4 p.m.
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