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Tag: Creamline Cool Smashers

  • Creamline boasts six players atop PVL All-Star fan voting returns

    Creamline boasts six players atop PVL All-Star fan voting returns

    Creamline dominates the PVL All-Star fan voting with six players leading their positions, while several others also rank among the top vote-getters, showing the Cool Smashers’ depth and popularity.

     

    Creamline is once again showing its dominance, not just on the court, but in the hearts of fans. In the latest PVL All-Star fan voting, six Cool Smashers players are leading their respective positions, demonstrating the team’s wide-reaching influence and star power across the league.

     

    At the forefront is outside hitter Jema Galanza, holding the top spot with 30.08 percent of the votes. Known for her explosive scoring and consistency, Galanza has become one of the most recognizable faces in Philippine volleyball, combining talent with the kind of charisma that naturally draws fan support.

     

    Right behind her in the outside hitter race is team captain Alyssa Valdez, who earned 14.60 percent of the votes, overtaking Capital1 rookie Bella Belen. Valdez remains one of the league’s most iconic players, and her continued popularity reflects her enduring connection with fans across generations.

     

    Creamline’s strength is also evident in the middle blocker race, where Jeanette Panaga continues to lead with 36.91 percent. Panaga has long been recognized for her timing, net defense, and steady presence on the floor, proving that consistent performance earns fan recognition beyond flashy stats.

     

    At setter, Jia De Guzman dominates with an overwhelming 72.05 percent of the votes. As one of the smartest and most accomplished playmakers in the league, De Guzman’s ability to dictate tempo and elevate her teammates makes her a central figure in Creamline’s sustained success.

     

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    The opposite spiker race also belongs to the Cool Smashers, with Tots Carlos leading at 42.08 percent. Carlos has established herself as a reliable scoring option for Creamline, combining power, timing, and confidence in key moments, which has earned her a strong fan following.

     

    Finally, Bernadeth Pons is making waves with 36.94 percent, highlighting Creamline’s depth of talent. Pons is admired for her all-around ability, contributing on offense and defense, showing fans that versatility and consistency are just as valuable as scoring prowess.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ influence extends beyond the starters as well. Dennise Lazaro-Revila is right behind starter Justine Jazareno in the Team Heart libero race with 14.95 percent, while Bea De Leon ranks third in Team Hustle’s middle blocker voting with 15.34 percent, trailing Fifi Sharma of Akari and Mika Reyes of PLDT. Setter Kyle Negrito is also third in Team Hustle’s voting with 14.95 percent.

     

    Creamline’s liberos further prove the team’s fan support runs deep. Kyle Atienza and Jennifer Nierva are holding down third and fourth place, respectively, in the Team Heart libero race with 21.68 percent and 10.20 percent. Their presence in the top five highlights the fans’ recognition of the squad’s defensive stalwarts alongside the high-profile stars.

     

    Together, these rankings show that Creamline’s dominance in the PVL extends across both the starting lineup and its supporting cast. 

     

    The Cool Smashers’ popularity reflects a team culture that produces both winning results and players that fans passionately support, solidifying their status as one of the league’s most influential franchises.

     

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  • Creamline looks to avoid upset against Akari in crucial semis bout 

    Creamline looks to avoid upset against Akari in crucial semis bout 

    Creamline heads into its biggest test of the conference not as the hunter, but as the favorite trying to avoid disaster. In a do-or-die clash against Akari, the Cool Smashers will need to lean on both experience and composure to keep their semifinals hopes alive.

     

    That urgency comes from one important truth: Akari is no longer an underdog just happy to be in the fight. The Chargers have already shown they can beat Creamline, and that earlier result now gives this rematch a far more dangerous edge for the league powerhouse.

     

    Akari turned back the then red-hot Cool Smashers in four sets, 25-21, 26-24, 17-25, 25-21, handing Creamline one of its most telling losses of the conference. The victory snapped Creamline’s five-game winning streak while stretching Akari’s own run to four straight wins.

     

    More than the result itself, it was the manner of the win that stood out. Akari looked composed, connected, and confident against a team that usually thrives in pressure-heavy situations, proving that its rise this conference is no longer something that can be dismissed as temporary.

     

    That win also marked a turning point for the Chargers after a rough 0-3 start to the tournament. Under head coach Tina Salak, Akari slowly found its identity, and the triumph over Creamline became the clearest sign yet that the team had grown into a legitimate contender.

     

    The Chargers got that breakthrough behind a balanced and steady performance from their core. Ivy Lacsina led the way with 20 points and 17 receptions, while Eli Soyud added 15 markers to help fuel the offense.

     

    Grethcel Soltones also played a key role with 14 points and 12 receptions, giving Akari another reliable attacking option. Mars Alba orchestrated the offense with 18 excellent sets, while Justine Jazareno anchored the floor with 22 digs in a complete team effort.

     

    That kind of all-around showing is exactly what makes this rematch so uncomfortable for Creamline. This is not a team relying on one player to get hot — Akari has enough pieces clicking together to put real pressure on even the most established squads in the league.

     

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    Still, if there is one thing working in Creamline’s favor, it is familiarity with nights like this. The Cool Smashers have built their reputation on surviving pressure, and their championship pedigree remains one of the biggest reasons they are still viewed as a team capable of responding when the stakes are highest.

     

    Creamline is now trying to secure what would be a record 20th PVL semifinals appearance, a number that reflects just how often the franchise has found ways to extend its season. In matches where momentum can swing quickly, that kind of postseason experience can become a major advantage.

     

    But experience alone will not be enough if Creamline produces another uneven outing. The last time these teams met, only Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos reached double figures for the Cool Smashers with 16 and 10 points, respectively, in what became a rare off night for the perennial title contender.

     

    That lack of offensive rhythm opened the door for Akari to stay in control, and Creamline cannot afford to let that happen again. Against a team already carrying confidence from a previous win, any prolonged dip in execution could quickly turn into another costly stumble.

     

    For Akari, the challenge now is different from the first time around. Pulling off a statement win is one thing; repeating it in a sudden-death scenario is another, especially when every set carries the weight of either prolonging a season or ending it on the spot.

     

    That is where this match becomes less about pure skill and more about composure. The team that handles the pressure better — the one that stays steady when the score tightens and the momentum begins to shift — will likely be the one still standing at the end of the night.

     

    Creamline is trying to protect its place among the league’s elite and avoid the kind of upset that can redefine a conference. Akari, on the other hand, has the chance to prove that its earlier breakthrough was not a one-time result, but a sign of something much bigger.

     

    Now, with a semifinals berth hanging in the balance, both teams meet again with far more than just a win on the line. One will move a step closer to the Final Four, while the other will be left to wonder how quickly a promising run slipped away.

     

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  • Eli Soyud banks on “tiyaga at pasensiya” as Akari faces Creamline in must-win PVL game

    Eli Soyud banks on “tiyaga at pasensiya” as Akari faces Creamline in must-win PVL game

    The conclusion of the Holy Week break in the Philippines signals a highly anticipated return to action in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), as the intensity ramps up in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference. With semifinal spots on the line, four teams are set to clash in the Play-In round, where every possession, rally, and point carries significant weight.

     

    Among the marquee matchups is a compelling showdown between perennial contenders Creamline Cool Smashers and the rising Akari Chargers—a duel that has drawn considerable attention from fans of the country’s premier volleyball league. Creamline, widely regarded as a dynasty in Philippine volleyball, enters the contest with a wealth of championship experience, while Akari continues to build its identity as a formidable challenger eager to break through.

     

    At the center of Akari’s campaign is star opposite hitter Eli Soyud, who fully recognizes the magnitude of the challenge ahead. Facing a battle-tested squad like Creamline, Soyud emphasized the importance of discipline, resilience, and mental toughness. Still, she remains confident in her team’s preparation and belief in one another.

     

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    “Siyempre, champion team sila. Mahirap silang kalaban lalo na sa ganitong mga crucial games kasi mas experienced sila sa amin. Ang magiging puhunan talaga namin is tiyaga at pasensiya,” Soyud said in a media interaction.

    The Chargers head into the Play-In round riding the momentum of a hard-fought victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, a match that showcased both their grit and composure under pressure. In a thrilling five-set encounter held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on March 28, Akari prevailed, 25-15, 23-15, 25-16, 15-25, 21-19, to keep their semifinal aspirations alive.

     

    Soyud pointed to that emotionally charged win as a defining moment for the team, highlighting how composure and communication became crucial factors in overcoming adversity—especially in the deciding fifth set where tension ran high.

     

    “Yung pagiging kalmado, kasi kapag kalmado ang lahat, mas nakakapag-isip. Nanoon ‘yung composure namin, mas naririning namin ‘yung teammates at coaches, so mas okay kalmado. ‘Yun ‘yung ginawa namin – pinakalma namin ang isa’t isa kahit na napakaignay na,” she added.

     

    For Akari, the upcoming clash is more than just a game—it is an opportunity to prove that they can compete with the league’s elite and translate their steady progress into a deep postseason run. On the other side, Creamline will look to assert its dominance and remind the league why it remains the gold standard in the PVL.

     

    The stakes could not be higher as the Chargers and the Cool Smashers collide in their do-or-die Play-In encounter scheduled for Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With a coveted semifinal berth hanging in the balance, fans can expect a high-intensity battle marked by experience, hunger, and unwavering determination.

     

     

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  • “Healthy competition all the way”: Alyssa Valdez opens up on the growing rivalry between Creamline and Cignal

    “Healthy competition all the way”: Alyssa Valdez opens up on the growing rivalry between Creamline and Cignal

    The rivalry between the Creamline Cool Smashers and the Cignal Super Spikers has quickly emerged as the marquee storyline of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, captivating fans with high-intensity matches that have gone down to the wire.

     

    Both meetings between these two PVL heavyweights so far in the conference have extended to five-set thrillers, highlighting the evenly matched nature of the contest. In the preliminary round, Creamline drew first blood with a dramatic 25-19, 25-20, 15-25, 26-28, 16-14 victory over Cignal, showcasing their ability to maintain composure in tense moments. Yet, in a rematch that carried semifinal implications, Cignal exacted revenge, eking out a 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 win to secure a place in the semifinals, further intensifying the growing rivalry.

     

    Amidst the back-and-forth battles, PVL icon Alyssa Valdez, who captains Creamline, has expressed appreciation for the competitive environment, noting that it pushes both teams to elevate their game.

     

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    “Alam mo, parang lagi pala kami halos five-setter games and we didn’t even realize it. But I guess that’s when you know both teams are really having that healthy competition. And it’s just so nice to see na parehong teams nagpapakita at nag-i-step up,” Valdez said during a media interaction.

     

    The veteran superstar also highlighted the learning opportunities provided by facing Cignal, underlining the importance of carrying lessons from tough matches into future contests.

    “Sa totoo lang, grabe ‘yung mga learnings namin sa Cignal. Dadalhin namin ‘yun sa future games namin. And yeah, congratulations to them,” she added.

     

    Valdez herself has been enjoying a career resurgence in the current All-Filipino Conference. Even in the recent loss to Cignal, the 32-year-old standout delivered an all-around performance, finishing with 18 points, 19 excellent digs, and 20 excellent receptions, proving that she remains a central figure for Creamline both offensively and defensively.

     

    Despite her impressive individual showing, Valdez stressed the importance of moving past the defeat and refocusing on upcoming challenges.

     

    “I guess at some point, siyempre, andun ‘yung panghihinayang. Pero we don’t have time to dwell on it kasi may mga games agad-agad. Titingnan namin yung mga pagkakamali namin, correct them, learn from this, then move forward and focus on the next game,” she said.

     

    Looking ahead, Creamline will aim to return to winning ways when they face the Akari Chargers in a must-win encounter on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil Centre. With the semifinal race tightening, Valdez and her teammates understand the urgency of bouncing back, while continuing to build on the lessons learned from their intense duels with Cignal.

     

    The Creamline-Cignal rivalry has not only delivered some of the most exciting volleyball of the season but has also showcased the growth of the league, with both teams pushing each other to new heights. Fans can expect more high-stakes clashes in the coming weeks, as these PVL titans continue to battle for supremacy in the All-Filipino Conference.

     

     

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  • Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    Jia De Guzman praises rise of modern setters in Philippine volleyball

    After a two-year hiatus from the domestic scene, Jia De Guzman has finally made her much-anticipated return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), once again donning the colors of the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Widely regarded as one of the greatest volleyball players in Philippine history—and arguably the finest setter the PVL has ever seen—De Guzman resumes her domestic career with an already decorated résumé. The 30-year-old playmaker owns eight PVL Best Setter awards and holds the league’s all-time record for most excellent sets in a single match with 71, a testament to her consistency, court vision, and leadership.

     

    Her return comes after a successful stint overseas with the Denso Airybees in the V.League, where she further refined her craft against top international competition. Now back in the Philippines as captain of Alas Pilipinas, De Guzman brings with her a wealth of experience—and a fresh perspective on how the local game has evolved during her absence.

     

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    In her recent outing, De Guzman tallied 31 excellent sets in Creamline’s tough loss to the Cignal HD Spikers, a performance that highlighted her steady playmaking despite the defeat. However, the spotlight was shared with opposing setter Gel Cayuna, who delivered an impressive 35 excellent sets to help deny Creamline an outright semifinal berth.

    Following the match, De Guzman spoke candidly about the noticeable transformation among setters in the league, particularly their growing role as offensive contributors rather than just facilitators.

     

    “It’s a huge thing when setters are also part of the offense. It leaves the opponent guessing. Gel played very well today, with the help of her teammates. I love seeing the evolution of setters here in the Philippines. The league gets more excited. I am excited to see the upcoming games,” De Guzman said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Her remarks reflect a broader shift in Philippine volleyball, where modern setters are now expected to be more dynamic—capable of scoring, attacking on second balls, and dictating tempo beyond traditional playmaking duties. For De Guzman, who has long been a standard-bearer at the position, this evolution signals a promising future for the sport.

     

    Despite Creamline’s setback, De Guzman continues to lead the league in the Best Setter race, amassing 196 excellent sets for an average of 5.44 per set—numbers that reaffirm her elite status even after time spent competing abroad.

     

    As the conference enters a crucial stretch, the Cool Smashers now turn their attention to a high-stakes Play-In matchup against the Akari Chargers on Tuesday, April 7, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. With their championship aspirations hanging in the balance, Creamline will once again rely on De Guzman’s leadership, composure, and playmaking brilliance to guide them forward.

     

    Her return not only strengthens Creamline’s bid for another title but also adds another compelling chapter to her already storied career—one that continues to shape and elevate Philippine volleyball.

     

     

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  • PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    PVL showdowns loom as Holy Week break sets stage for do-or-die battles

    The race to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals is about to hit its most crucial stage, but not before a brief and timely pause.


    As the league intensifies, four teams on the brink of either breakthrough or heartbreak have been given a rare window to reset during the Holy Week break — a moment to regroup before everything is decided on April 7 at the FilOil Centre.

     

    For Farm Fresh, Nxled, Creamline, and Akari, the stakes could not be clearer. Two matches, two winners, and only two tickets to the semifinals remain. 

     

    Waiting on the other side are PLDT and Cignal, already seated and watching closely as they prepare to face whoever survives the coming battles.

     

    The break may be brief, but its impact could be defining. Beyond physical recovery, it offers teams a chance to recalibrate mentally, to correct lapses, refine systems, and brace for the pressure of do-or-die.

     

    Farm Fresh and Creamline enter with something to prove after falling short in the Qualifying Round, while Nxled and Akari arrive battle-tested, having fought their way through the Play-In knockout phase by eliminating Galeries Tower and Choco Mucho, respectively. 

     

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    The first clash at 4 p.m. pits Farm Fresh against Nxled in what shapes up as a high-powered offensive duel. 

     

    Trisha Tubu who is currently a runner up for best scorers is expected to lead the Foxies, backed by a veteran core that includes Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang.

     

    Across the net, Nxled counters with Brooke Van Sickle, whose scoring brilliance is complemented by a deep and versatile lineup featuring Myla Pablo, MJ Phillips, Jonah Escamillan, and Chiara Permentilla. 

     

    But if the opener promises intensity, the 6:30 p.m. showdown between Creamline and Akari may carry even heavier narrative weight.

     

    Creamline’s dynasty speaks for itself. The Cool Smashers have not missed the semifinals since 2017 and have captured championships. Yet past dominance offers no guarantees in a win-or-go-home scenario.

     

    Signs of resurgence are there with their star-studded players, Bernadette Pons, Alyssa Valdez, and Jema Galanza. And If everything clicks, Creamline could once again look like a title contender — not just a semifinalist.

     

    Akari, however, refuses to be cast as the underdog. Fresh off a gritty escape in the Play-In stage, the Chargers enter with growing confidence and cohesion. Ivy Lacsina is peaking at the right time, while Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones, Fifi Sharma, and Ced Domingo provide a balanced attack capable of challenging even the league’s most decorated squad.

     

    What awaits at the FilOil Centre is more than just two matches, it’s a test of resilience, preparation, and nerve. Stats and history may set the stage, but in knockout games, execution under pressure writes the ending.

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  • Even with a star-studded lineup, can Creamline reclaim their PVL dominance?

    Even with a star-studded lineup, can Creamline reclaim their PVL dominance?

    The Creamline Cool Smashers find themselves at a pivotal moment in the PVL All-Filipino Conference. Despite their decorated history as ten-time champions and a star-studded roster, their current 6-3 record in the preliminary round shows that past dominance doesn’t guarantee a spot in the semi-finals. 


    With the Akari Chargers looming on April 7 at the FilOil Centre, the Cool Smashers must adapt and find a sharper rhythm if they want to secure their place in the next stage.

     

    Fortunately, Creamline still has the tools to shine, anchored by players performing at the top of their game this conference. 

     

    Captain Alyssa Valdez continues to lead by example, delivering clutch points and consistently high-scoring performances that keep the team competitive. 

     

    While Jia Morado-De Guzman, one of the league’s best setters, is averaging 5.44 excellent sets per set, keeping Creamline’s offense fluid and difficult to read. 

     

    Jeannette “Pangs” Panaga is making an impact on both ends of the court, ranking third in both best blockers and best servers, showing that her presence can swing momentum through crucial blocks and service aces.

     

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    Depth is another strength for Creamline. Tots Carlos has repeatedly delivered scoring bursts when needed, while Floremel Rodriguez has stepped up in previous matches to fill gaps and maintain the team’s rhythm. 

     

    Libero Jen Nierva has been a rock in the backcourt, consistently delivering solid receptions and digs that allow Creamline to sustain long rallies even when the starters are heavily marked.

     

    Coach Sherwin Meneses now faces the challenge of balancing star power with tactical flexibility. Relying too heavily on marquee players can make the team predictable, allowing opponents to anticipate plays and disrupt the flow. 

     

    By giving bench players more opportunities—especially those who have shown flashes of brilliance in earlier matches, Creamline can unlock new offensive options and keep their opponents guessing.

     

    The Cool Smashers’ situation also highlights a larger truth in competitive volleyball, which is that a championship pedigree alone cannot carry a team through turbulent stretches. 

     

    Even elite teams need to adjust to the dynamics of a particular conference, account for injuries, manage fatigue, and respond to the rise of underdog opponents who are hungry to make a statement. Creamline’s challenge is as much about strategy and cohesion as it is about individual talent.

     

    The question isn’t whether Creamline has talent—they clearly do. The real test lies in how effectively they leverage their current-form stars and supporting cast together. 

     

    With top-ranking stats in scoring, setting, blocking, and serving, the Cool Smashers have everything they need not just to reach the semis but to assert dominance once they find their rhythm.

     

    Their upcoming clash with Akari is more than just another game—it’s an opportunity to show that their legacy isn’t just built on reputation, but reinforced by players performing at their peak. 

     

    With smart rotations, tactical adjustments, and trust in the entire roster, Creamline can prove they still have what it takes to compete at the highest level and reclaim a spot among the PVL semi-finalists.

     

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  • Vanie Gandler relishes Cignal’s breakthrough win against rival Creamline

    Vanie Gandler relishes Cignal’s breakthrough win against rival Creamline

    For Cignal, beating Creamline was never just about one match. It was about finally breaking through in the kind of game that had repeatedly slipped away from the Super Spikers in the past.


    On Thursday night, that burden was still there, but this time it did not define the ending. Instead, Vanie Gandler turned those painful memories into motivation and helped power Cignal to a breakthrough 25-21, 24-26, 18-25, 25-22, 17-15 victory to clinch a semifinal berth in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    It was more than just a win. For a team that had endured too many close losses in crucial moments, it felt like a release.

     

    Cignal had already experienced this exact kind of heartbreak before, especially against Creamline. Just five days earlier, the Super Spikers had dropped another painful five-set match to the Cool Smashers to close the preliminaries, making Thursday’s rematch feel even heavier.

     

    That recent loss, along with others before it, stayed with Vanie Gandler heading into the match.

    “We know how painful it is to lose our crucial games. We’ve been through it so many times,” she said during the post-game press conference.

     

    “So, I think that’s what we all always hold in our hearts, and we use that as our motivation to really fight with one another.”

     

    That mindset showed when the match began to tighten. Even as Creamline made its expected late push, Cignal stayed composed and refused to unravel in another high-pressure finish.

    At the center of that steadiness was Gandler, who once again showed that her value goes far beyond scoring. She finished with 22 points, 28 excellent receptions, and 13 digs, delivering one of her most complete performances of the conference.

     

    Whether it was stabilizing the floor, keeping rallies alive, or scoring in key stretches, Gandler remained at the heart of everything Cignal was trying to do.

     

    She also had plenty of help. Erika Santos provided the scoring punch with 26 points, while Gel Cayuna expertly ran the offense with 35 excellent sets and added 11 points of her own.

     

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    Together, they gave Cignal the balance and poise it has often searched for in pressure games against top-level opponents.

     

    The win became even more impressive considering the setting. The Smart Araneta Coliseum crowd heavily favored Creamline, but Gandler said the atmosphere barely registered once the match settled into its tense rhythm.

     

    “In matches like this, sometimes you’re so focused on the court. Sometimes, it’s scarier to be on the bench,” she said. “You don’t even notice anymore what’s going on because you’re so focused on what you need to do.”

     

    That focus mattered most in the fifth set, where Cignal had to survive multiple moments that could have broken them. The Super Spikers needed four match points before finally putting Creamline away, with the Cool Smashers repeatedly refusing to let the match end.

     

    That was what made the breakthrough feel so meaningful. In the kind of finish that had hurt them before, Cignal finally became the team that stayed upright long enough to finish the job.

     

    For a team that has often looked capable of contending but struggled to close the biggest matches, Thursday’s result may mean more than just a place in the semifinals. It may also be proof that the Super Spikers are finally learning how to win the matches that used to break them.

     

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  • Gel Cayuna backs up bold promise in Cignal’s win over Creamline

    Gel Cayuna backs up bold promise in Cignal’s win over Creamline

    The Cignal Super Spikers punched their ticket to the semifinals of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference after outlasting the Creamline Cool Smashers in a thrilling five-set battle, 21-25, 26-24, 25-18, 22-25, 15-17, during the Qualifying Round on Thursday, March 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    In a match that showcased resilience, tactical discipline, and star power on both sides, Cignal leaned on a total team effort to overcome the league’s perennial contenders. The victory not only secured their place in the semifinals but also underscored their growing confidence as the tournament enters its final stretch.

     

    Leading the charge was Erika Santos, who delivered a standout performance with 26 points built on 23 attacks, two blocks, and an ace. Santos consistently provided the offensive spark, stepping up in crucial moments to keep Cignal within striking distance throughout the tightly contested encounter.

     

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    Backing her up was Vanie Gandler, who turned in an all-around performance with 22 points, while anchoring the team’s floor defense with 28 excellent receptions and 13 digs. Her stability in both offense and defense proved vital in neutralizing Creamline’s relentless attacks.

     

    However, the defining presence on the court came from setter Gel Cayuna, who masterfully orchestrated Cignal’s offense. Cayuna tallied 35 excellent sets while also contributing 11 points, effectively controlling the tempo and ensuring her hitters were put in the best positions to score. Her performance was particularly remarkable given the expectations she had set for herself prior to the match.

    Cayuna had confidently declared before the game that she aimed to register at least 30 excellent sets and reach double digits in scoring against Creamline—a goal she ultimately fulfilled in emphatic fashion.

     

    “Coach asked us about our goals, like how many excellent sets and points we wanted. I said 30 plus sets and double digits in scoring – so I’m glad I was able to achieve that,” Cayuna said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Beyond individual achievements, the victory was a testament to Cignal’s preparation and collective resolve following their previous outing. The team showed marked improvements in execution, particularly in crucial stretches where composure often spells the difference between victory and defeat.

     

    “We finally felt relieved because we learned a lot from our last game. Our preparation was intense. We really studied Creamline so we could win today. I’m just really happy because everyone held on and fought. Even the coaches put in so much effort to win this game. We are happy, but we will keep working as we head into the semifinals,” she added.

     

    Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos echoed Cayuna’s sentiments, praising his squad’s discipline and commitment to the game plan. For Delos Santos, the win was a clear reflection of how well his players embraced their roles and executed under pressure.

     

    “They really committed because I told them to focus on our intention – what we needed to do to win. They executed exactly what we asked from them, so I’m really happy and proud that they were able to do it,” Delos Santos continued.

     

    With momentum on their side, the Super Spikers now shift their focus to the semifinals, where tougher challenges await. If their performance against Creamline is any indication, Cignal is peaking at the right time—and shaping up to be a serious contender for the championship.

     

     

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  • PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    PVL Qualifying Round: PLDT, Farm Fresh, Creamline, Cignal fight for direct semis entry

    The road to the PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals has been long, demanding, and at times unforgiving. But on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, all of that gets reduced to something much simpler: survive, advance, and move one step closer to the title.

     

    After seven grueling weeks of preliminaries and a pressure-filled Play-In stage, the tournament now arrives at a point where every rally carries more weight. The possibilities have narrowed, and the margin for error has become even thinner.

     

    Two coveted outright semifinal berths are up for grabs as the league’s top four teams collide in a pair of high-stakes clashes. PLDT takes on Farm Fresh at 4 p.m., while Creamline and Cignal renew their rivalry at 6:30 p.m. in a rematch that already carries unfinished business.

     

    What makes Thursday feel different is that these are no longer just matches about form or momentum. They are about positioning, survival, and avoiding the dangerous detour that awaits the losers in a longer and more complicated route to the Final Four.

     

    That pressure may be felt most in the nightcap, where Creamline once again finds itself under the brightest spotlight. The Cool Smashers managed to stay inside the Top 4 and avoid the chaos of the Play-In phase, but their path has hardly looked smooth or secure.

     

    For a team that has long been defined by control and composure, this conference has demanded something else: resilience. Creamline has had to adjust on the fly, navigate injuries, and win games without always looking like the polished powerhouse it once was.

     

    And yet, when the stakes rose, Alyssa Valdez delivered. Her triple-double outing in their previous win over Cignal was not just a throwback performance — it was a reminder that Creamline still has enough firepower and poise to respond when the pressure starts to build.

     

    For Valdez, though, the bigger message goes beyond any individual stat line or performance. What matters most to her is making sure the team continues to hold together through the uncertainty.

     

    “I think every game, it’s more of a reminder for myself and for the team that we’re still here,” said Valdez. “I don’t think, parang if there’s something to motivate myself, ang hirap din to actually just think of other people.”

     

    “So ngayon, parang ako, iniisip ko talaga, it’s a reminder na kaya pa. I’ll just do my part in practice at pag kailangan, tutulong tayo. It’s not more of trying to prove anything but trying to stick together and making sure sa sarili ko at sa team na magkakasama kami,” she added.

     

    That mindset may best define where Creamline stands entering this next challenge. This is not a team trying to prove dominance anymore. It is a team trying to remain whole, dangerous, and capable of winning while not always being at full strength.

     

    The uncertainty surrounding Bernadette Pons and Jema Galanza only adds to the tension. Even if both suit up, there are still fair questions about rhythm, chemistry, and how quickly the Cool Smashers can settle into a stable rotation in such an important match.

     

    That is exactly why Cignal enters with reason to believe. The HD Spikers, led by Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, are no longer simply trying to hang around with Creamline — they are beginning to look like a team that believes it can finally break through.

     

    That belief has been building steadily, especially after pushing the Cool Smashers to the limit in their recent five-set battle. Cignal’s more balanced attack and growing cohesion have made them one of the trickiest teams left in the field.

     

    If the Creamline-Cignal showdown feels like a battle of legacy and pressure, the PLDT-Farm Fresh matchup offers a different kind of tension. One side is expected to win. The other is starting to enjoy making people uncomfortable. 

     

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    On paper, PLDT remains the most complete and structurally polished team in the conference. With Savi Davison, Kim Dy, Mika Reyes, Majoy Baron, Alleiah Malaluan, and Kim Fajardo steering the system, the High Speed Hitters have looked like a team built specifically for moments like this.

     

    But if there is one lesson from this conference that should not be ignored, it is that Farm Fresh has outgrown the label of underdog. The Foxies have become too disciplined, too dangerous, and too confident to be treated as a feel-good surprise.

     

    Their previous five-set push against PLDT served as more than just a close call. It was proof that they can match the top seed not only in energy, but in execution and nerve when matches become tight.

     

    At the center of that rise is Trisha Tubu, whose scoring has given Farm Fresh a reliable offensive weapon. Around her is a veteran core of Ces Molina, Royse Tubino, Riri Meneses, Mylene Paat, and Ara Galang, all of whom have helped give the team both toughness and stability.

     

    For Molina, their growth has been rooted less in talent and more in the chemistry they have worked hard to build. In a tournament where every edge matters, that connection has quietly become one of Farm Fresh’s biggest strengths.

     

    “Well, lahat naman ng teams nag-iimprove. Walang easy eam na sa tingin mong matatalo mo talaga. So talagang paghirapan mo,” said Molina, whose veteran presence and firepower – along with Tubino, Paat and Galang – have helped position the Foxies as the team most capable of shaking up the established order.

     

    She also pointed to the team’s developing trust as a key part of their rise this conference. For Farm Fresh, the progress has not only been about systems or lineups, but about understanding each other in the moments that matter most.

     

    “’Yun nga ‘yung sinasabi ni coach Koji (Tsuzurabara) palagi na tignan mo ‘yung kasama mo sa mata doon mo mabubuo ‘yung teamwork niyo eh. I think ‘yung team nakukuha na namin ‘yung ganoon eh, ‘yung isang tingin palang nagki-click na kami, talagang tinatrabaho namin ‘yung chemistry. Kasi ‘yun ‘yung pinakamahirap para sa isang bagong team ulit para magsimula,”

     

    The winners on Thursday will earn something more valuable than just momentum. 

     

    They will claim a direct path into the Final Four, giving themselves not just a better position in the bracket, but also breathing room in a tournament that has already demanded so much physically and emotionally.

     

    The losers will still have life left, but their road becomes more dangerous. Instead of advancing directly, they will have to survive another hurdle against the teams emerging from the Play-In stage.

     

    That means Thursday is not quite do-or-die — but it is close enough to feel like it. And with a roaring crowd expected at Araneta, both matches carry all the ingredients of defining postseason volleyball. 

     

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