NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Creamline gave the volleyball-crazy fans of Victorias City a performance worthy of the occasion, closing out the PVL On Tour Showdown with a commanding straight-set victory over Galeries Tower on Saturday.
The multi-titled Cool Smashers showcased their trademark combination of firepower, composure and experience as they defeated the Highrisers, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, before a packed crowd at the Victorias Arena.
Valdez shines in front of passionate crowd
Leading the way for Creamline was veteran star Alyssa Valdez, who delivered 10 points to earn Player of the Game honors.
For Valdez, however, the victory was about more than simply adding another win to Creamline’s preseason campaign.
“We’re just happy to win. It’s the motivation and inspiration to keep improving and stay in shape for our fans from different parts of the country.”
The crowd favorite received some of the loudest cheers of the night, with supporters roaring every time she attacked, defended or came through with one of her trademark touches.
More than 7,000 fans packed the venue, creating an electric atmosphere throughout the match.
Minowa makes highly anticipated Creamline debut
The contest also marked the much-awaited official Creamline debut of Japanese recruit Sachi Minowa, who also goes by Jaja Santiago.
Minowa had previously played for Creamline in a friendly match against sister team Choco Mucho in Cagayan de Oro, but Saturday’s encounter represented her first appearance for the Cool Smashers in an official team match.
Her arrival generated plenty of excitement among the Victorias City crowd, with supporters erupting whenever she entered the action.
“It’s overwhelming to play again here, especially in Bacolod. Sobrang dami ng supporters ng both teams dito sa Victorias Arena,” Minowa said.
Minowa finished with six points, providing Creamline with another imposing option at the net as the Cool Smashers continued to build chemistry ahead of the upcoming season.
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Creamline controls the opening two sets
Galeries Tower refused to be intimidated early, matching Creamline’s intensity in a competitive opening set.
The Highrisers stayed within striking distance for much of the frame, but Creamline’s experience became evident when the set entered its crucial stretch.
The Cool Smashers executed better in the closing exchanges and secured the opening set, 25-21.
Creamline then shifted into another gear in the second frame.
The Cool Smashers raced to a 13-5 advantage, putting Galeries Tower under immediate pressure. The Highrisers struggled to generate a consistent response as Creamline’s attack and service pressure continued to create separation.
A Galeries Tower service error further helped Creamline’s surge before Bea de Leon capped the run with an ace.
The result was a comfortable 25-16 second-set victory, putting Creamline one frame away from finishing the match in straight sets.
High risers fight back in the third
Galeries Tower saved its best fight for the third set.
Creamline appeared ready to finish the match quickly after taking an early 4-0 lead, but the Highrisers refused to fold.
Galeries Tower gradually worked its way back and eventually established a three-point cushion, with the last coming at 14-11 following a Jema Galanza violation.
The Highrisers’ resistance energized the crowd as both teams traded quality plays.
Creamline eventually responded, tying the set at 17-all.
The two sides continued exchanging points in a tense finish, producing two more deadlocks before the final tie at 20-20.
From there, the Cool Smashers leaned on their experience.
Creamline scored consecutive points to seize the advantage, although Galeries Tower remained within reach after a service error.
De Leon then delivered a crucial block against Jade Gentapa, giving Creamline a two-point cushion.
Valdez, Panaga seal the deal
With the match entering its decisive moments, Valdez came through with one of the night’s most memorable plays.
After a lengthy exchange, the veteran star caught the Highrisers off guard with a clever drop ball that pushed Creamline to match point.
Galeries Tower had earlier challenged a floor-touch call, but the appeal was unsuccessful, further adding to the tension inside the venue.
With the match on the line, setter Kyle Negrito went to middle blocker Pangs Panaga, who delivered a running attack down the line to finish the contest.
Creamline secured the third set, 25-21, completing the straight-set victory in one hour and 24 minutes.
Balanced attack powers Cool Smashers
While Valdez earned top honors, Creamline’s victory was once again built around a balanced offensive effort.
Jema Galanza added seven points, while Sachi Minowa, Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos contributed six points each.
The Cool Smashers managed the victory despite playing without Michelle Gumabao, highlighting the depth available to the powerhouse squad.
For Galeries Tower, Jean Asis led the way with six points.
Erika Deloria also scored six, while Alyssa Bertolano added five. Shola Alvarez and Roselle Baliton chipped in four points apiece.
The Highrisers received strong support from the local crowd, particularly for Bacolod native Deloria, whose every big play was greeted with loud cheers.
A valuable preseason test for Galeries Tower
Although the match had no bearing on the standings, Galeries Tower treated the showdown as another important measuring stick against one of the PVL’s most established teams.
The Highrisers showed flashes of resilience and competitiveness, particularly in the third set, when they erased Creamline’s early advantage and threatened to extend the match.
The defeat meant Galeries Tower ended its three-game preseason campaign with one victory and two losses.
Still, the experience provided the emerging squad with another opportunity to assess its progress against a championship-caliber opponent.
Creamline closes On Tour campaign in style
The victory also gave Creamline a fitting conclusion to its PVL On Tour Showdown campaign.
The traveling preseason series brought top-level volleyball action to different parts of the country, including Isabela, Batangas City, Ilocos Sur, Cotabato City, Lanao del Norte and Negros Occidental.
Creamline entered the Victorias City finale after defeating Nxled in a four-set victory in Isabela last July and continued its impressive tour form against Galeries Tower.
The Cool Smashers finished the tour with their fifth straight-set victory in 12 games on the On Tour schedule, reinforcing why they remain one of the most formidable teams in Philippine volleyball.
More importantly, the tour gave Creamline valuable opportunities to develop chemistry, evaluate its lineup and introduce new pieces such as Minowa.
And on Saturday night, the Cool Smashers delivered exactly what the fans came to see: a dominant performance, a star turn from Valdez and another reminder of the championship pedigree that has made Creamline one of the PVL’s biggest names.
For the thousands who filled Victorias Arena, it was the perfect ending to a night built around elite volleyball and the unmistakable energy of Filipino fans.
