Creamline Cool Smashers’ Bernadeth Pons during a game against PLDT High Speed Hitters within the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Creamline pulled off a come-from-behind 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10 win over No.1 seed PLDT for a share of the early lead within the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinal round on Saturday in front of 12,411 fans at Mall of Asia Arena.
Bernadeth Pons was in MVP form, leading the Cool Smashers’ comeback with 28 points off 21 kills, 4 blocks, and three aces.
“In the course of the fourth set, we knew the sport was ours, and we believed we could take that set. That’s why we held on and stayed locked in. We kept reminding one another, at any time when someone attacks, we’ve got them covered. We told them, ‘Just keep hitting, we’ve got your back.’ Our composure was a giant reason why we were in a position to close it out,” said Pons in Filipino after also delivering an incredible defensive effort of twenty-two excellent receptions and 16 digs.
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With Creamline down 26-25 within the fourth, Jema Galanza and Tots Carlos got here to the rescue putting their team at set point, 27-26, before an attack error by Savi Davison forced a deciding set.
Creamline Cool Smashers’ Kyle Negrito and Tots Carlos during a game against PLDT High Speed Hitters within the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Pons and Galanza then ignited a 10-4 start for the Cool Smashers within the fifth, but Davison refused to go down and not using a fight and cut down the result in two, 12-10, with back-to-back points.
Pangs Panaga won an important joust to halt the run before Pons pushed Creamline to match point. Galanza’s serve later forced one other attack error from Davison that sealed the win.
Creamline joined fellow semis opener winner Cignal, which took down Farm Fresh in 4 sets earlier, before they clash for a second win on Tuesday at the identical venue in Pasay City.
Galanza sparked the Cool Smashers with 17 points. Alyssa Valdez only began in the primary two sets but finished with 10 points. Carlos, Panaga, and Bea De Leon added eight each, as Jia De Guzman got here off the bench with 20 excellent sets.
“After all, we’re really, really blissful. Initially, the sport was very entertaining for the fans. There have been so many individuals and a lot support. We’re blissful we got the win and that we were in a position to take one against PLDT,” said Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses. “However the job’s not done. It’s really just getting began. We’ll practice for 2 days to arrange for Cignal, then get back to work. That’s our mindset.”
PLDT battles Farm Fresh in a do-or-die game on Tuesday, as Alleiah Malaluan’s 23-point profession game, 19 kills and 4 blocks, went for naught.
Malaluan, the ninth overall pick of PLDT, also had 26 excellent receptions and 11 digs. Davison had 22 points and 14 excellent receptions. Kianna Dy chipped in 16 points. Majoy Baron added 10, as libero Kath Arado finished with 28 digs.