MANILA, Philippines — In a span of eight days, Creamline metamorphosed from great to supreme in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL). From being the winningest team in the pro league to a team that captured all three titles in one season.
On September 4, the Cool Smashers claimed their first Reinforced Conference crown since 2018 after sweeping Akari in the finals.
On September 12, Creamline defeated Cignal in a five-set thriller, 21-25, 25-17, 20-25, 26-24, 15-13, to rule the Invitational Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum and complete the first ever grand slam championship in the PVL.
The Cool Smashers, winners of the last three All-Filipino tournaments, now have 10 championships in the pro league that started in 2017.
Erica Staunton led the scoring for Creamline with 29 points while Bernadette Pons added 27 points on 24 attacks, a block and two aces.
Kyle Negrito added 25 excellent sets that allowed four Creamline gunners to score in double-digits as Jema Galanza and Jeannette Panaga chipped in 11 points apiece.
Creamline’s Michelle Gumabao, meanwhile, was hailed as the conference Most Valuable Player even as Negrito took the Best Setter plum and the Finals MVP honors.
Gumabao is as the top local scorer in the tournament with 59 points from 52 attacks, four aces and three blocks.
The Cool Smashers also spoiled the 42-point performance of Cignal’s Venezuelan import MJ Perez, who set the record for the most points made in the league’s finals history.
Jackie Acuña and Ces Molina had 10 points apiece for the HD Spikers.
Earlier, erstwhile champion Kurashiki Ablaze defeated Est Cola to claim third place.