Cool Smashers seek edge vs resurgent Thunderbelles

Games today, Feb. 17, 2026
(FilOil Playtime Centre)
4 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Capital1
6:30 p.m. – Creamline vs ZUS Coffee

Creamline and ZUS Coffee seek to sustain their resurgence at each other’s expense as they clash in Week 3 of the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the FilOil Playtime Centre in San Juan today (Tuesday).

The Cool Smashers regained momentum after absorbing a tough loss to the PLDT High Speed Hitters, bouncing back with a four-set victory over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans to reignite their redemption campaign following a rare titleless season after completing a record Grand Slam.

Standing in their way in the 6:30 p.m. showdown are the Thunderbelles, who also appear to have rediscovered their rhythm. After dropping their first two matches, including a shock defeat to the Galeries Tower Highrisers, they rallied from a 1-2 set deficit to overcome the Akari Chargers last Thursday, signaling a return to form.

With the tournament shaping up as a wide-open race, both squads are eager to secure another win to stay in strong contention for a semifinal berth.

On paper, however, Creamline holds the advantage. The 10-time champions are healthy and stacked with talent, needing only to regain the cohesion that eluded them in their loss to the High Speed Hitters.

Jia de Guzman orchestrates the offense, while Bernadette Pons bolsters a potent frontline bannered by Jema Galanza, Tots Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, and Michele Gumabao. The middle rotation remains among the league’s strongest with Pangs Panaga, Sheena Toring, and Bea De Leon, while newcomer Jen Nierva adds stability to the defense. With Mich Gamit, Kyle Negrito, and Den-den Revilla providing depth, Creamline appears primed for another championship push.

But ZUS Coffee is far from overmatched.

Though the Thunderbelles absorbed a blow with the injury to middle blocker AC Miner, they have steadied themselves after their early setbacks. Fresh off a runner-up finish in the Reinforced Conference, they remain hungry for another finals run.

Riza Nogales continues to lead the charge and, alongside Thea Gagate, is expected to figure prominently in a key battle at the net against Panaga and company. Consistency will be crucial for ZUS Coffee, with setter Cloanne Mondonedo tasked with maximizing the production of Chinnie Arroyo, Jovelyn Gonzaga, Renee Peñafiel, Kate Santiago, Wielyn Estoque, and Fiola Ceballos.

If they deliver, Creamline will face another stern test of resolve in a tightly packed 10-team field.

Meanwhile, Choco Mucho and Capital1 square off at 4 p.m. as both teams try to rebound from losses and improve their identical 1-2 records.

Eya Laure remains a game-day decision after exiting their previous match against Creamline with a groin and abdominal issue. She had already poured in 19 points before being forced out. In her possible absence, Sisi Rondina is expected to shoulder a heavier scoring load, with support from Dindin Manabat, Kat Tolentino, Jaila Atienza, Lorraine Pecaña, Des Cheng, and Tia Andaya.

Every match carries added weight under the tournament’s single round-robin format. A team that sweeps all nine elimination games earns an outright semifinal berth.

After two weeks, only Nxled (3-0) and PLDT (2-0) remain in contention for a sweep, although they will not face each other until March 19.