Creamline bucks slow start, defeats ZUS Coffee for 2nd straight PVL win

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Creamline Cool Smashers overcame an early 0-1 set deficit before taking care of business in the last three frames to stun the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles, 22-25, 25-17, 25-16, 25-18, in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference on Feb. 17, 2026, at the FilOil Playtime Centre.

When Creamline attempted to stage a come-from-behind effort to force the opening set to a tiebreaker, outside hitter Tots Carlos ended the first period anticlimactically after her back-row attack went long during the crucial 22-24 stretch.

Despite the missed chance of drawing first blood, the Cool Smashers quickly moved on from an erratic first set and doubled their effort on both ends of the floor to bag the last three and score the reverse sweep.

A pumped-up Creamline attack deflated ZUS Coffee midway through the second set, courtesy of relentless cross-court conversions from Bernadeth Pons, who entered an unconscious state, helping the Cool Smashers level the thrilling affair at 1-all.

Creamline’s second-set win was all they needed.

After the intense battle was squared at one set apiece, the winningest PVL club further amped up their intensity in the third, receiving a much-needed offensive resurgence from Carlos, who recovered from her costly unforced error in the first set.

Also stepping up when the Cool Smashers needed them the most were Jema Galanza and star setter Jia Morado-de Guzman, displaying consistent chemistry that shouldered Creamline’s 4-1 run to seal the 2-1 lead.

It was then all Creamline after the veteran-laden squad powered its way with a demoralizing 14-4 final run in the fourth to rack up its second consecutive PVL win.

Pons was stellar during the comeback effort as the returning spiker fueled the Cool Smashers with 19 points, built from 16 successful attacks, and 16 excellent digs.

The duo of Galanza and Carlos added 12 and 11 markers, respectively, while Morado-de Guzman wrapped up the win with 25 excellent sets, 10 points, two service aces and two blocks.

Creamline aims to pick up its third straight PVL win on Feb. 21, 2026, against Bella Belen and the Capital Solar Spikers, while ZUS Coffee looks to rebound on the same date against the Farm Fresh Foxies.