Cool Smashers survive Chargers–nee Angels–in marathon thriller
For all intents and purposes, Creamline on Saturday exacted sweet revenge on a team, Nxled, whose core the Cool Smashers have an axe to grind with.
The Cool Smashers stuck to the system and their MVP trio of Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos and Bernadeth Pons to regain momentum in the fifth set and stretch their winning streak to five after claiming a 25-16, 22-25, 25-21, 15-25, 15-10 result in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.
Creamline expected that Nxled will be one tough nut to crack, especially after Italian coach Ettore Guidetti turned to all six former Petro Gazz Angels—the core that dethroned the Cool Smashers in last year’s All-Filipino finals and eliminated them in the Reinforced quarterfinals last November.
“We already expected that (even) back when they were still Petro (Gazz), it usually went to five sets,” Galanza, who scored four of the Cool Smashers’ final five points, said in Filipino. “So this isn’t new to us. Coach Sherwin (Meneses) always reminds us that composure is the most important thing in games like this if we want to win.”
Galanza finished with 19 points and also had 10 excellent receptions and six digs as she embraced the challenge of facing their tormentors, led by Brooke Van Sickle, the former MVP, who tallied 28 points and Myla Pablo, nailing seven blocks for 22 points.
“For me, there are a lot of emotions. Excitement, nerves and the challenge,” said Galanza. “They’re really good opponents. They make you think; you can’t just swing blindly or simply put the ball over.
“You really have to think about your plays. Our composure was challenged and today, that’s what helped us win.”
Pons had 18 points and 13 digs, while Carlos chipped in 16 points and 13 digs.
“I’m just happy we experienced that kind of scenario again,” Carlos said. “The coaches always remind us that if we get too carried away with emotions, it won’t help us. We just have to stay composed and focus on the job.
“The coaches never forgot to remind us that that’s still the core team of Petro Gazz,” Carlos said. “They’re still very strong. Our coaches always remind us that no matter who we play, if we don’t put in the work, we won’t win. We really have to give 100 percent, especially in training, because everything starts there.”
Middle blocker Pangs Panaga had six kill blocks for 13 points. Bea De Leon added nine, while setter Jia De Guzman ran Creamline’s offense with 28 excellent sets.
Creamline now shares the elimination round lead with PLDT, holding identical 5-1 records.
