Bracing for what many expected to be a routine romp, Creamline instead found itself tested – hard – but ultimately pulled through with its trademark championship composure, hacking out a 25-17, 25-17, 25-23 victory over Choco Mucho to secure a spot in the PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals Thursday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
What looked early on to be another smooth cruise for the defending champions after dominating the first two sets turned into a gritty test of will and character. The Flying Titans, playing for survival and pride, came alive in the third set, showing renewed purpose and turning the stretch into the kind of thrilling finish fans had been waiting for – one that could’ve gone either way.
Royse Tubino gave Choco Mucho a glimmer of hope late in the match, nailing a backrow attack that put the Titans ahead, 23-22. But the Cool Smashers, veterans of countless pressure-packed moments, didn’t flinch. Drawing from their experience built over multiple championship stints, they calmly weathered the storm.
Coco Schwan responded with a kill that forced the eighth deadlock of the set, before Michele Gumabao unleashed a powerful hit that glanced off libero Thang Ponce’s arms and went out of bounds – swinging the momentum back to Creamline.
In a frenetic exchange that followed – filled with blistering spikes, spectacular digs and gutsy floor defense – the Cool Smashers leaned on their vaunted net defense. They foiled Isa Molde’s third attack attempt, sealing not just the set and one-hour, 18-minute match but also their coveted ticket to the knockout quarterfinals, which kick off on Nov. 24, also at the Araneta Coliseum.
While Creamline moved on with a 5-2 record, Choco Mucho bowed out of contention at 2-5, its campaign marred by a fourth straight defeat.
“I think nag-perform and nag-respond yung team sa game ngayon especially yung mga outside hitter naming. Talagang nagtrabaho sa passing at yung mga bench players nag-deliver din. Team work talaga yung nagpanalo samin today,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.
Playmaker Kyle Negrito, who dished out 18 excellent sets to earn Best Player of the Game honors, said the team’s mindset was clear heading into the final stretch of the prelims.
“Alam namin na sa mga natitirang laro, hindi puwedeng magpabaya,” said Negrito. “Kailangan naming pagtrabahuan bawat point, bawat possession. Our main goal is to execute our system properly, and we’re happy to have done that today, especially in straight sets.”
She added that staying calm in crucial moments remains a vital part of Creamline’s championship DNA.
“Down the stretch, composure talaga ang kailangan,” she said. “We know that if we let our guard down, Choco Mucho will take advantage. Kaya pinagtrabahuan namin ‘yun.”
The Cool Smashers’ depth and poise once again proved decisive – qualities they’ll need even more as they head into the business end of the tournament.
Schwan led the charge for Creamline, topping the scoreboard with 15 points, while Gumabao contributed a solid nine markers. Meanwhile, Tots Carlos, Pangs Panaga, Sheen Toring, Alyssa Valdez and Lorie Bernardo combined for an additional 24 points, showcasing the Cool Smashers’ depth and balanced offensive attack.
For Choco Mucho, Molde carried the scoring load with 11 points, providing a steady presence amid the team’s struggles. Import Marlee Smith had a slow start but found her rhythm in the third set, delivering a timely surge that helped ignite the Flying Titans’ attempted comeback through powerful combination plays.
Smith finished with five points overall, while Royse Tubino added six markers in a limited stint. Maddie Madayag and Kat Tolentino also chipped in, combining for 12 points to keep Choco Mucho competitive despite the uphill battle.
Creamline flexed its muscle early, shaking off a brief 2-5 deficit to seize control and surge ahead, 16-10. The Cool Smashers’ early rally was fueled by crisp execution and relentless pressure, capitalizing on Choco Mucho’s mishits and erratic plays to carve out a commanding lead. The defending champions’ composure and precision turned what began as a shaky start into an eight-point set win.
