The first challenge awaiting Creamline in its latest title defense comes from a team determined to prove that last conference’s disappointment no longer defines its identity.
When the PVL On Tour opens in Ilagan City, Isabela, on Wednesday, the spotlight will immediately fall on the 6:30 p.m. showdown between the reigning All-Filipino Conference champions and an Nxled squad eager to show that months of preparation have transformed it into a legitimate contender.
The Chameleons entered the previous conference carrying high expectations after assembling one of the league’s deepest lineups. Instead, they settled for a fifth-place finish after struggling to find consistency and chemistry when it mattered most.
Head coach Ettore Guidetti believes the long offseason has given his squad the opportunity to address those issues ahead of another campaign.
“As usual it’s difficult because Creamline has a bunch of combinations, a bunch of possibilities to play, so we will try to summarize as much as we can. We are in a good moment. The team is playing good day after day after day. We are trying to automatize the new players. So let’s see if we can give a good performance against the champions,” said Guidetti.
Nxled once again leans on reigning MVP Brooke Van Sickle alongside veterans Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips, while expecting a deeper supporting cast to make the difference this time around.
The Chameleons also feature Lyann de Guzman, Ranya Musa, Aduke Ogunsanya, Chiara Permentilla, Jonah Escamillan, Jovelyn Fernandez, Jackie Acuña, and experienced setter Gel Cayuna as they look to finally convert potential into victories.
Standing in their way, however, is the league’s modern-day dynasty.
Fresh from capturing an 11th PVL championship, Creamline enters the preseason with much of its championship nucleus intact. Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Pangs Panaga, Bea de Leon, Jia de Guzman, and Kyle Negrito remain at the heart of the Cool Smashers, who further reinforced their roster by adding Dona Paralejas, Erin Pangilinan, Ishie Lalongisip, and promising rookie Barbie Jamili.
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BIG ILAGAN SHOWDOWN!
: CREAMLINE
vs. NXLED
: First serve is at 6:30 p.m.
: https://t.co/qNmkBHD2SU#PVLonTour | #TheHeartOfVolleyball pic.twitter.com/zdQToyaS5o
— Premier Volleyball League (@pvlph) July 7, 2026
Team captain Alyssa Valdez believes the extended preparation has allowed the team to integrate its newest additions while maintaining the chemistry that has fueled Creamline’s sustained success.
“Medyo mas matagal ata ‘yung preparation ngayon. Wala kaming camp or anything but medyo ilang months din nakapag-training ‘yung buong team for the PVL On Tour Showdown and very excited kasi may mga bago kami – sila Erin, si Dona – for this conference,” Valdez said.
The day’s action begins at 4 p.m., where ZUS Coffee and Akari look to start their preseason campaigns on the right foot in a matchup featuring two teams eager to erase the frustrations of their previous conference.
ZUS Coffee enters the PVL On Tour looking for a fresh start after finishing at the bottom of the All-Filipino Conference standings, a campaign derailed by injuries to several key players. Now healthier and deeper, the Thunderbelles hope to show they are capable of climbing back into playoff contention.
The return of middle blocker AC Miner bolsters a lineup that already features Thea Gagate, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Chinnie Arroyo, Fiola Ceballos, Jolina dela Cruz, Riza Nogales, Cess Robles, Chai Troncoso, Kate Santiago, and veteran setter Cloanne Mondonedo.
Akari, meanwhile, also has unfinished business after ending its previous campaign in sixth place despite flashes of strong play. The Chargers have since reinforced an already talented roster and will look to hit the ground running in Isabela.
Leading the way are Ivy Lacsina, Fifi Sharma, Grethcel Soltones, Ced Domingo, and Eli Soyud, while Faith Nisperos is expected to return alongside new additions Ann Monares, Sharya Ancheta, and Risa Sato, giving Akari one of its deepest squads in recent seasons.
That opening clash serves as the perfect appetizer before the marquee encounter later in the evening, when reigning champion Creamline begins its latest title defense against an Nxled squad determined to prove it belongs among the league’s contenders.
After Ilagan, the tour heads to Batangas City on Saturday, where Galeries Tower takes on Farm Fresh before Choco Mucho faces ZUS Coffee in another marquee matchup. The succeeding legs will be held in Vigan, Polomolok, Santiago City, and Lanao del Norte before concluding on Aug. 22 at a venue that has yet to be announced.
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