By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Creamline Cool Smashers banked on their team chemistry and efficient two-way outing to sweep the NXLED Chameleons, 25-18, 25-17, 25-17, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on February 27, 2025, at the Philsports Arena.
With their 10th win of the conference, the Cool Smashers just secured their ticket in the upcoming quarterfinal round, keeping their five-peat championship title hopes alive in the All-Filipino.
Bea De Leon’s all-around performance sparked the one-sided Creamline victory after producing 12 points built from eight successful attacks, five blocks, and a service ace.
The former Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) superstar provided the much-needed punch in the opening frame when the Chameleons got to within three points after establishing a large lead.
From an eight-point advantage, NXLED trimmed their deficit to just three points but De Leon supplied back-to-back cross-court spikes and a kill block that swung the momentum back to the reigning PVL queens.
It was the closest gap that the Chameleons got into before folding in the final two sets as the Creamline firepower just proved to be too much anchored by their flawless floor coverage.
Kyle Negrito, the Cool Smashers’ star setter, orchestrated the Creamline offense to perfection and helped ignite the scoring production from Tots Carlos and Michelle Gumabao in the last two sets.
From a quiet opening frame performance, the duo of Carlos and Gumabao picked up where De Leon left off and spearheaded the Creamline rampage that wrapped up the affair in a 3-0 sweep.
Carlos delivered nine points derived from eight successful attacks while Gumabao chipped in seven markers alongside veteran middle blocker Jeanette Panaga.
Also contributing in the victory were Alyssa Valdez, Rose Vargas, Jema Galanza, and Bernadeth Pons who each tallied four markers.
“Syempre happy ako, happy din ‘yung team kasi maganda ‘yung position namin papasok ng quarterfinals. Medyo makakapag-prepare kami ng matagal,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses after securing another playoff spot in the PVL.
