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Tag: Creamline Cool Smashers

  • Tots Carlos named PVL Player of the Week after Creamline’s fifth-straight win

    Tots Carlos named PVL Player of the Week after Creamline’s fifth-straight win

    Creamline’s resurgence at the top of the standings has been powered in part by the return of a familiar force.

     

    Tots Carlos, now fully recovered from a knee injury that sidelined her for months, has begun to resemble the dominant scorer who once ruled the league — a resurgence that earned her the PVL Press Corps Player of the Week honors presented by Pilipinas Live for March 3 to 7.

     

    The three-time Most Valuable Player delivered back-to-back standout performances to help the Cool Smashers maintain their momentum in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Carlos first set the tone with a 19-point outing to go along with 13 digs in Creamline’s four-set win over the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, last Tuesday at the FilOil Centre.

     

    She followed it up with another all-around effort in a grueling five-set battle against Nxled, finishing with 16 points and 13 digs as the Cool Smashers escaped with a 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 victory.

     

    For Carlos, the recent stretch is more than just about numbers — it’s a sign that she has finally regained her rhythm after a long recovery process.

     

    “I would say na mas gumaan na ‘yung feeling kasi ‘yun nga, grateful ako kay Coach na binigyan nila ako ng time na makarecover. Alam naman ni Coach na pag okay na ako, babalik ako. Masaya lang ako na may ganong klaseng support,” said Carlos.

     

     

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    The veteran opposite hitter also admitted that the intense five-set duel against Nxled reminded her how much she missed playing in high-pressure situations.

     

    “It was exciting also, kasi it’s been a while since I experienced yung ganong experience din, so natutuwa ako na naexperience ko siya ulit, magkakasama kami na talagang nilaban namin lahat,” she said.

     

    Even with the emotional swings of tight matches, Carlos stressed that maintaining composure remains a key principle for the Cool Smashers as the conference progresses.

     

    “Ako personally, meron akong sariling goal and sariling reason going to the game. Natuwa ako na na-experience namin ‘yung ganong scenario na kasi nga sila coach laging sinasabi na pag sumobra naman kami sa gigil, hindi makakatulong sa amin, composure lang talaga and ‘yun nga, trabaho lang,” she added.

     

    Carlos edged out a strong field of candidates for the weekly citation, including Creamline teammate Jema Galanza, PLDT star Savi Davison, Choco Mucho’s Sisi Rondina, Cignal’s Vanie Gandler, and Akari’s Ivy Lacsina.

     

    With Carlos regaining top form, the Cool Smashers will look to keep their momentum going when they face the Akari Chargers on Thursday, March 12, as Creamline continues its push for another PVL title.

     

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  • Jen Nierva stays grounded as Creamline wins fourth straight, eyes sharper game

    Jen Nierva stays grounded as Creamline wins fourth straight, eyes sharper game

    Even in the middle of a winning streak, Jen Nierva refuses to let comfort settle in.

     

    The Creamline libero welcomed the Cool Smashers’ fourth consecutive victory in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference but quickly pointed out that momentum means little without constant refinement.

     

    Creamline turned back Galeries, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, Tuesday at the FilOil Centre in San Juan to stretch its surge after an opening-game stumble against PLDT. But for Nierva, the four-game run is less about the streak and more about steady progress.

     

    “Happy po sa naging result ng game and everyone get to enjoy and get to play inside. I think it’s always a learning process yung 2nd set. Nakita din namin kung ano yung kailangan pa naming iwork on for following games din po,” Nierva said in an exclusive interview with Abante Sport’s Rogelio Nicolas III.

     

    The Cool Smashers looked poised for a runaway finish after blasting to a 12-1 start in the fourth set. Instead, they were forced to dig deep as Galeries clawed back behind rookie captain Julia Coronel’s consecutive aces to threaten at 24-23.

     

    Veterans Pangs Panaga and Jia de Guzman restored order with a crisp combination play that slammed the door shut — a sequence that underscored Creamline’s composure when the match tightened.

     

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    While the spotlight often shines on the scorers, Nierva’s presence at the backline has anchored the team’s rhythm. She has also embraced a shared role with fellow libero Kyle Atienza, a setup she believes is accelerating her growth.

     

    “Ayun po very happy na sya po yung kasama ko ngayon sa court and andami ko rin po natututunan sa kanya. And actually naamaze din po ako sa kanila lahat naman po ng liberos kasi ibat iba po ng strengths so every single day every practice namin every games nag oobserve din po ako and tinatry ko po matuto from them,” she said.

     

    Behind De Guzman’s 22 excellent sets, Creamline displayed its depth with four players finishing in double figures. Tots Carlos led with 19 points, Bernadeth Pons added 15, Jema Galanza chipped in 12 markers along with 11 excellent receptions, while Panaga contributed 11 points.

     

    Yet even with the balanced attack, Nierva’s focus has already shifted to the next test.

     

    “Just like our other games po kailangan namin ibigay yung best namin and work harder kasi di naman po natin malalaman ano yung ilalaro nila and just to play our best at saka po kailangan malinis din yung galaw namin kasi mahihirapan po kami kapag mataas po yung errors or hindi nagkakaroon ng connection I think yun din po for our upcoming games kailangan iwork on din namin kung ano yung nakitang kulang namin sa mga previous games,” she said.

     

    Creamline faces Nxled on Saturday, aiming not just to extend its streak but to sharpen the details Nierva knows will matter deeper into the conference.

     

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  • Sherwin Meneses unlocks winning blend as Creamline’s depth fuels four-game surge

    Sherwin Meneses unlocks winning blend as Creamline’s depth fuels four-game surge

    After absorbing a stunning opening-game sweep at the hands of the PLDT High Speed Hitters, the 10-time champions have quietly rebuilt their rhythm, not by overhauling their system, but by maximizing it.

     

    Creamline stretched its winning streak to four with a 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23 decision over the Galeries Tower Highrisers at the FilOil Centre, leaning on Tots Carlos’ 19-point outing and a rotation that has finally clicked.

     

    For head coach Sherwin Meneses, the early stumble may have served as a necessary wake-up call.

     

    Since that loss, the Cool Smashers have taken down the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, Capital1 Solar Spikers, and Galeries Tower. 

     

    Three of those wins came in four sets and another via sweep. The victories were not always dominant, but they were controlled, steady, and built on depth.

     

    More than the results, it is the distribution of minutes that signals Creamline’s resurgence.

    “Meron naman na talaga kaming rotation talaga. Talagang siyempre as a team, kailangan din ng mga role players, mga off the bench,” Meneses the 42-year-old head coach said.

     

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    Creamline’s bench, after all, is stacked with veterans capable of carrying starting roles anywhere else in the league — from Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao to Kyle Negrito and Bea de Leon. Instead of relying heavily on a fixed core, Meneses has shuffled combinations, preserving energy while maintaining intensity. 

     

    “Hindi ka naman magiging champion team kung mga anim hanggang pito lang ‘yung gumagawa kaya happy kami kasi ‘yung mga nasa bench, nagpe-perform din,” he said.

     

    At the forefront remain pillars Bernadeth Pons, Jema Galanza, Pangs Panaga, Carlos, and Jia de Guzman — a starting unit that provides both firepower and stability.

     

    The renewed balance has restored the Cool Smashers’ trademark sharpness, but Meneses remains wary as the preliminaries approach their critical stretch.

     

    “Sana magtuloy-tuloy pa sa mga next game namin at mas maganda pa ‘yung ipakita nila. ‘Yung rotation namin, nandiyan naman na rin ‘yan at okay na naman. Walang team ngayon na hindi talaga lumalaban kaya dapat every possession, ready ka,” Meneses said. 

     

    Creamline faces another litmus test Saturday against the Nxled Chameleons. A win would lift the Cool Smashers to 5-1 and further affirm their upward trajectory and a loss would tighten the standings at 4-2.

     

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  • Creamline reasserts control, Choco Mucho survives as PVL race tightens 

    Creamline reasserts control, Choco Mucho survives as PVL race tightens 

    Power and poise carried the day for the league’s heavyweights.

     

    At the Playtime Filoil Centre, the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference tightened even further Tuesday night as Creamline Cool Smashers and Choco Mucho Flying Titans delivered statements in contrasting but equally telling fashion.

     

    Creamline, wary of a brewing upset, slammed the door on Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-14, 17-25, 25-18, 25-23, refusing to let momentum slip twice in the same night.

     

    The 10-time champions were reminded early that Galeries Tower would not simply fold. After cruising through the opening set, the Cool Smashers were stunned in the second as the Highrisers flipped the rhythm and forced extended rallies that took Creamline out of sync. But what followed in the fourth set was the clearest reflection of championship composure — a blistering 12-1 start that left no room for another surprise.

     

    Veteran steadiness proved decisive.

     

    Tots Carlos once again anchored the attack with 19 points and 13 digs, while Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza combined for 27 markers and relentless floor coverage. Pangs Panaga imposed herself in the middle with 11 points, including two timely blocks, and Jia de Guzman orchestrated the offense with 22 excellent sets that kept Creamline’s hitters in rhythm when the match threatened to tilt.

     

    Galeries Tower had its moments. Deloria and Asis provided consistent scoring, and the Highrisers trimmed a third-set deficit to just two at one point. But every push was met by a veteran response, including a crucial four-point run capped by a Panaga block that restored order.

     

    Creamline secured its fourth win and stayed firmly in the hunt for a top-four finish — a reminder that while challengers are rising, the champions remain difficult to unseat.

     

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    If Creamline’s victory was about control, Choco Mucho’s was about survival.

     

    The Flying Titans outlasted Nxled Chameleons, 27-25, 28-26, 16-25, 25-19, in a match that swung wildly before settling in their favor.

     

    It was a personal milestone for Eya Laure, who faced older sister EJ for the first time in league play. When the fourth set tightened, Eya delivered six of Choco Mucho’s final nine points in a decisive 16-4 closing tear that silenced Nxled’s comeback hopes.

     

    Sisi Rondina powered the charge with 24 points and 20 receptions, absorbing pressure in long exchanges and answering every late surge. Laure added 13 attack points, most coming in the pivotal fourth frame, while Kat Tolentino chipped in 15 markers. Deanna Wong dished out 23 excellent sets and Thang Ponce anchored the floor defense with 21 digs.

     

    “Sobrang happy ako sa naging performance ng team namin kasi ito naman talaga ‘yung hinahanap namin sa kanila kung paano talaga dapat maglaro,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin.

     

    The first two sets alone foreshadowed the drama. Choco Mucho squandered multiple set points in the opener before regaining composure, then survived another tense exchange in Set 2 that featured clutch hits, miscues, and momentum swings at the net. Nxled’s third-set explosion — a stunning 16-5 run after trailing early — briefly flipped the script and exposed cracks in the Flying Titans’ rhythm.

     

    But unlike in past outings, Choco Mucho steadied itself.

     

    For Nxled, the loss deepened a troubling slide. After opening the conference with three straight wins, the Chameleons have now dropped three in a row. Brooke Van Sickle’s 20-point, 18-reception effort and MJ Phillips’ steady production went unrewarded as late-game execution once again proved costly.

     

    With Creamline tightening its grip near the top and Choco Mucho climbing back to .500 at 3-3 alongside Nxled and Capital1, the middle of the standings is turning into a battleground.

     

    In a conference where momentum shifts quickly and contenders are tested nightly, Tuesday’s twin results reinforced one truth: experience still matters — but resilience might matter even more.

     

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  • PVL: Creamline to face upbeat Galeries Towers, as Nxled looks to rebound against rejuvenated Choco Mucho 

    PVL: Creamline to face upbeat Galeries Towers, as Nxled looks to rebound against rejuvenated Choco Mucho 

    Momentum in the Premier Volleyball League can be as fleeting as a single bad rotation.

     

    Just ask Creamline Cool Smashers, after stumbling early, the perennial contenders have rediscovered their rhythm, stacking three straight wins to reassert themselves in the thick of the All-Filipino Conference semifinal chase. Their offense has flowed cleaner, their defense has stiffened, and the aura that once made them the league’s standard bearer has quietly returned.

     

    But Tuesday offers no guarantees. Across the net stands Galeries Tower Highrisers — a team that has made unpredictability its calling card. Win, loss, win, loss — through five games, the Highrisers have refused to settle into a pattern. That volatility makes them dangerous, especially in a tournament where momentum shifts faster than the scoreboard can keep up.

     

    Creamline enters the 6:30 p.m. duel as the slight favorite, a status earned after emphatic responses to adversity. Following a straight-sets defeat to PLDT High Speed Hitters, the Cool Smashers bounced back with statement wins over Choco Mucho Flying Titans and ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in four sets, then flexed their depth in a sweep of Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Yet labels mean little in this conference, Galeries Tower nearly carved out consecutive victories before letting a 2-1 set edge slip away against Choco Mucho in a five-set heartbreaker. 

     

    The Highrisers have shown they can ride the hot hands of Erika Deloria, Jean Asis and Gayle Pascual, while Aiza Pontillas and Roselle Baliton steady the floor and setter Julia Coronel orchestrates the offense. Their issue hasn’t been talent — it has been finishing.

     

    Creamline, by contrast, has leaned into its depth. Tots Carlos continues to be a reliable scoring outlet, Jema Galanza and Bernadette Pons bring balance on the wings, and the middle duo of Pangs Panaga and Bea de Leon fortify the net. The Cool Smashers are not overpowering opponents — they are outlasting them.

     

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    Still, head coach Sherwin Meneses knows better than to exhale too soon.

     

    “Malaking tulong ‘yung last game namin ngayon kasi medyo dikit siya. Ayun napagusapan nga namin sa team na kailangan namin i-sure ‘yung game ngayon kasi after this, magiging maganda ‘yung situation namin,” he said.

     

    “Knowing Galeries naman, talagang hindi ka rin pwede magpahinga or magbalewala kasi kita niyo naman ‘yung performance nila,” he added.

     

    If the main event promises tension, the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser carries just as much urgency.

     

    Choco Mucho (2-3) is attempting to stabilize after an uneven start. The return of Eya Laure — who poured in 18 points after recovering from a groin and abdominal strain — injected life into a squad that had dropped three straight. Her presence alone reshapes their attack and revives belief.

     

    Waiting on the other side is Nxled Chameleons, a team trying to rediscover the sharp edge that fueled a 3-0 opening surge. Consecutive four-set defeats to Galeries Tower and Akari Chargers have exposed lapses in cohesion. Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips remain productive, but the Chameleons’ early-season fluidity has dulled.

     

    Four weeks into the preliminaries, one theme dominates the All-Filipino Conference: no cushion is comfortable, and no reputation guarantees control. Leads evaporate. Runs reverse. Favorites wobble.

     

    In a race this tight, the margin between contender and casualty might come down to a single service error, a single block touch — or a single lapse in focus.

     

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  • Tight race brewing in All-Filipino Conference as Creamline, Cignal, and Nxled surge while PLDT looks to stay unbeaten 

    Tight race brewing in All-Filipino Conference as Creamline, Cignal, and Nxled surge while PLDT looks to stay unbeaten 

    The early landscape of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference is beginning to take shape, and it’s turning into a tightly packed race where consistency is quickly becoming the difference-maker.

     

    At the center of the latest shake-up was the clinical performance of the Creamline Cool Smashers, who neutralized nearly every scoring option of the Capital1 Solar Spikers except standout rookie Bella Belen, completing a 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 sweep Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

     

    Creamline’s disciplined system play and defensive structure forced Capital1 into long rallies while limiting second-chance opportunities at the net. The Cool Smashers improved to 3–1, reinforcing their reputation as one of the conference’s most structured teams built around ball control and veteran composure.

     

    Despite the loss, Capital1 continues to show flashes of promise behind Belen’s scoring surge, highlighting the team’s transition toward a youth-driven core that is still learning how to close out tight sets against established contenders.

     

    While Creamline tightened its grip near the top, the Cignal HD Spikers quietly built momentum of their own.

     

    Cignal extended its winning record to three games after dismantling the Nxled Chameleons, 25-21, 25-17, 25-21, at the PhilSports Arena, showcasing improved offensive balance and sharper blocking rotations.

     

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    The surge placed the HD Spikers in a crowded upper tier alongside the Choco Mucho Flying Titans and Creamline, underscoring how quickly momentum swings can reshape the standings in the short elimination format.

     

    Cignal’s recent run has been anchored on faster tempo offense and improved floor defense—two areas the team struggled with earlier in the conference.

     

    Even with multiple teams gaining traction, the PLDT High Speed Hitters remain the standard so far.

     

    Sitting alone at the top with a 3–0 record, PLDT has combined aggressive net defense with efficient transition scoring, allowing the High Speed Hitters to control matches without needing extended five-set battles. Their depth and physicality have made them one of the most balanced squads in the tournament’s opening stretch.

     

    What’s becoming increasingly clear is that the All-Filipino Conference is trending toward a parity-heavy race. Traditional contenders like Creamline and Cignal are beginning to settle into form, while emerging teams such as Nxled and Capital1 are proving capable of disrupting matchups on any given day. 

     

    With the elimination round still unfolding, every match is carrying added weight—not just for positioning, but for momentum heading into the crucial playoff phase.

     

    If the early results are any indication, the battle for the top seed—and the psychological edge that comes with it—may go down to the final weeks of the eliminations. 

     

    Nxled will hunt for their fourth win of the season on Tuesday, 4PM against Akari. Cignal will look to blemish PLDT’s unbeaten record at the 630PM headliner match. 

     

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  • Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza laud Bella Belen’s competitive fire

    Rookie standout Bella Belen is quickly turning her debut campaign into one of the defining storylines of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, blending explosive scoring with refined all-around play to emerge as the centerpiece of the Capital1 Solar Spikers.

     

    Through the opening stretch of the conference, Belen leads the league’s Best Scorers list with a commanding 106 total points. Her output — 96 attacks, seven blocks, and just three faults — highlights not only her scoring volume but also her efficiency. On a nightly basis, the 23-year-old has carried the offensive burden for Capital1, often absorbing the brunt of opposing teams’ top defensive schemes.

     

    Her influence goes beyond raw production. Belen ranks third among the league’s Best Spikers, converting 96 of 266 attempts for a 36.09 percent success rate. The mark underscores her ability to sustain efficiency despite heavy usage — an uncommon trait for a rookie navigating the demands of the professional level.

     

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    Still, Capital1’s heavy reliance on Belen has become a growing talking point.

    That dependence was evident in the Solar Spikers’ straight-sets defeat, 18-25, 24-26, 20-25, to defending champions Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Belen once again delivered a standout performance with 26 points, but offensive support was limited. Ypril Tapi added just four markers as the next-highest scorer, underscoring the pronounced scoring gap.

     

    Despite the loss, Belen’s competitiveness drew praise from Creamline’s veteran leaders Jia De Guzman and Jema Galanza, who commended not only her talent but also her relentless drive.

     

    “Yung number one kay Bella diyan, she is very competitive, like what we expected. As much as we want to put a stop to her scoring, na-expect din namin na she will keep scoring, and she will fight until the end,” De Guzman said in a media interaction.

     

    “Makikita mo talaga sa kanya na yung fighting spirit niya. Siya yung mga pro na hindi susuko. Kaya siya pa yung magbibigay talaga ng motivation sa teammates niya. So, sobrang happy lang for her na ang laki na, mas go-grow siya ngayon sa pro,” Galanza added.

     

    For all of Belen’s individual brilliance, the Solar Spikers sit at 2-3, good for seventh place and the lower half of the standings. As the conference unfolds, establishing greater offensive balance and strengthening team chemistry will be critical if Capital1 hopes to translate its rookie star’s breakout run into sustained success.

     

    The Solar Spikers aim to rebound — and ease the scoring load on Belen — when they face the Farm Fresh Foxies on Thursday, February 26, at the FilOil Centre, a pivotal opportunity to regain momentum and prove that their rising star’s brilliance can fuel collective gains.

     

     

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  • Alyssa Valdez reflects on ‘trauma bond’ with Jia De Guzman after PVL reunion

    Alyssa Valdez reflects on ‘trauma bond’ with Jia De Guzman after PVL reunion

    After a two-year absence from the domestic league, Jia De Guzman finally made her long-awaited return to the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), suiting up once again for the Creamline Cool Smashers in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.

     

    For De Guzman, the comeback was more than just another appearance on the court—it was a homecoming.

     

    The Philippine women’s national volleyball team captain wasted no time reminding fans why she remains one of the country’s premier setters. In Creamline’s 22-25, 25-17, 25-17, 25-18 victory over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 17, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan City, De Guzman delivered an all-around performance that underscored both her leadership and versatility.

     

    She finished with 10 points—an impressive tally for a setter—including six kills, two service aces, and two blocks. Beyond the numbers, however, it was her court vision, decision-making, and composure that steadied Creamline after dropping the opening set. De Guzman orchestrated the offense with precision, redistributing touches and maximizing her hitters as the Cool Smashers regained control of the match.

     

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    Her return also marked the reunion of one of Philippine volleyball’s most iconic duos.

     

    De Guzman and Alyssa Valdez share a bond that traces back to their collegiate days with the Ateneo Lady Eagles in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP). Together, they formed the backbone of Ateneo’s rise to prominence, leading the Lady Eagles to two UAAP women’s volleyball championships and ushering in a golden era for the program.

     

    Years later, their chemistry remains intact.

    Valdez described their partnership as something forged not just by wins and trophies, but by shared struggles and sacrifices.

     

    “There is something different about us because of everything we went through together since college. We have built that ‘trauma bond’ over the years – the sacrifices we made playing volleyball wasn’t easy,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

     

    Their journey together included grueling training sessions, heartbreaking losses, and the immense pressure of carrying Ateneo’s title aspirations. Those experiences, Valdez explained, strengthened not just their on-court connection but their mutual understanding as competitors and leaders.

     

    “So it’s really nice to see her take command now, especially with what she wants to do for the team and how she wants to keep improving herself as a setter. As her teammate, I really appreciate that,” she added.

     

    For Creamline, De Guzman’s return comes at a pivotal time in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference. The Cool Smashers are once again positioning themselves as title contenders, and having a seasoned international campaigner at the helm significantly boosts their championship aspirations.

     

    De Guzman has spent the past two years competing overseas and representing the Philippines in international tournaments, experiences that have sharpened her game and expanded her leadership perspective. Now back in the PVL, she brings that global exposure to a Creamline squad eager to maintain its dominance.

     

    More than just a reunion story, De Guzman’s comeback signals stability for the Cool Smashers. With Valdez providing firepower on the wings and De Guzman dictating tempo from the setter position, Creamline regains the core that once defined its championship runs.

     

    As the conference progresses, all eyes will be on how this rekindled partnership evolves—and whether their shared “trauma bond” can once again translate into another title charge.

    For now, one thing is certain: Jia De Guzman is back in the PVL, and Creamline looks stronger because of it.

     

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  • “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    “I truly admire her”: Alyssa Valdez excited to face Bella Belen for the first time in the PVL

    Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), Bella Belen continues to shoulder the expectations of becoming the next face of Philippine volleyball — and potentially a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

     

    The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

     

    Her rapid rise has not gone unnoticed. Belen recently added another honor to her ever-growing résumé, claiming the prestigious Ms. Volleyball Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila.

     

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    The 23-year-old’s achievements have already earned praise from one of Philippine volleyball’s icons, Alyssa Valdez, a three-time Ms. Volleyball recipient herself. Valdez expressed her excitement at facing Belen on the court for the first time, when the Creamline Cool Smashers take on the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the ongoing PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    “This will actually be our first game against each other. I’m really excited to face her. More than her skills, I truly admire her character and personality, both on and off the court. She has that never-say-die attitude, that grit and discipline,” Valdez said in a media interaction.

    “I can’t wait to see her grow even more and become someone even more young athletes can look up to. But when it comes to our game this Saturday? Bella is Bella. We are very excited and looking forward to it, and hopefully we can give her a really good match,” she added.

     

    Interestingly, both Valdez and Belen share the same birthday, adding a symbolic layer to the praise from a player widely recognized as the greatest female volleyball athlete in Philippine history.

     

    Meanwhile, Creamline has made a strong start to the All-Filipino Conference, posting a 2-1 record to sit fourth in the standings. Valdez acknowledged that the team is still adjusting to reintegrating key players Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons, who have returned to the franchise.

     

    “We are still working on being more in tune with each other. But it was really nice to see that never-give-up mentality come out after that first set. Hopefully, we can keep building on that because the team’s effort this game was really great,” Valdez said.

     

    She added, “For me, it’s really about mindset — I try to give my 100% all the time so that when the coaches call my name, I’m ready. It’s a team sport, and it’s not just about the players on the court. As a team, we definitely support each other. We are very proud of whoever is shining in the moment. It’s always full support from all of us.”

     

    The stage is now set for a highly anticipated clash, as the two top talents — Belen and Valdez — face off on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre. Fans can expect a showdown that highlights not just skill, but leadership, resilience, and the next generation of Philippine volleyball stars making their mark.

     

     

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  • Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Creamline is winning — but not there yet says Jia De Guzman 

    Winning hasn’t masked the truth inside the Creamline camp — and they’re not pretending it has.

    At 2-1 in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, the Cool Smashers are back in the win column after dropping their opener to PLDT. 

     

    On paper, back-to-back victories over Choco Mucho and ZUS Coffee suggest stability. On the court, however, Creamline knows it’s still searching for rhythm.

     

    The ZUS Coffee match told the story clearly. Creamline opened flat, surrendered the first set, and looked momentarily unsure of itself. Then the switch flipped. The Cool Smashers imposed their will in the next three sets to pull away, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18. It was clinical — eventually. But it also highlighted the gap between potential and performance.

     

    And no one articulated that better than Jia De Guzman.

     

    “Despite our wins, we sometimes put ourselves in unnecessary tough situations,” she said, adding that the team is focused on improving its chemistry to play more cohesively.

     

    For De Guzman, this conference isn’t just about standings. It’s about reintegration and recalibration. After nearly three years away — including a stint with Denso Airybees in Japan’s S.V. League and duties with Alas Pilipinas — the eight-time PVL Best Setter is rediscovering timing, trust, and tempo with a group that has evolved during her absence.

     

    “Ako personally, hindi pa. Hindi pa ito yun,” said De Guzman, who returned to the squad to start the conference after nearly three years, during which she spent time with Denso Airybees in the Japan S.V. League and later with Alas Pilipinas.

     

    “I think there are still a lot of times na we put ourselves in hard situations na hindi naman talaga dapat. Like coach said nga, maraming beses na yung effort talaga namin at yung kagustuhan naming manalo, nagdi-dictate kung ano yung nangyayari sa laro,” she added.

     

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    “And a lot of times, today and the past games, nagsa-stop kami. So, yun yung tina-try naming ayusin din as a team.”

     

    It’s a rare admission from a dynasty built on precision. Creamline’s identity has long been rooted in control — dictating pace, limiting errors, closing teams out before they can breathe. But this version of the Cool Smashers is learning in real time, winning through turbulence instead of avoiding it.

     

    De Guzman’s stat line against ZUS Coffee — 25 excellent sets and 10 points from six attacks, two kill blocks, and two aces — reflects production. Yet even that comes with self-critique.

     

    “I think, regarding my performance, I still see a lot of lapses. Maraming sitwasyon nga, like coach mentioned, na we could’ve controlled better, we made a lot of errors. Pero, thankfully, natuto kami and naihabol naman namin,” said De Guzman.

     

    What stands out is not frustration, but awareness.

     

    Creamline is no longer chasing perfection in February. It is building toward something heavier — cohesion forged through adversity rather than dominance alone. These are not the smooth, effortless wins of a team already in sync. They are the gritty, instructional victories of a group rebuilding its internal wiring.

     

    And strangely, that may be more dangerous for the rest of the league.

     

    “But, as a team, I’m really proud of how we performed. Kasi, ito yung kinds of games na natututo kami gumalaw as one. Parang dito kami nagbi-build ng chemistry,” she said.

     

    “Dito kami nakaka-face ng adversity and kung paano namin iha-handle talaga as one team. So, thankfully talaga, the win went our way.”

     

    Creamline is winning — but it knows it hasn’t arrived.

     

    For a team used to setting the standard, that honesty might be the first real sign that its peak form is still loading.

     

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