PVL: Creamline remains undefeated with five-set win over Farm Fresh

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Creamline Cool Smashers’ unbeaten run in the ongoing Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference continued after they survived the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-18, 24-26, 25-22, 23-25, 15-4, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sept. 3, 2026.

Unlike their lopsided wins over the Nxled Chameleons and Ho Chi Minh City, the Cool Smashers faced tougher competition from Farm Fresh, which almost blemished Creamline’s record after the match was dragged into a deciding fifth set.

Unfortunately, Farm Fresh’s goal of upsetting the revamped Creamline squad was derailed in the last set, thanks to the veteran duo of Jema Galanza and Jaja Santiago-Minowa, who put the Cool Smashers on their backs with a high-octane attack.

Galanza kicked off Creamline’s outburst with three big points that extended its lead to 8-1, while Minowa handled the defensive department with a timely block party.

It was a defensive clinic led by Minowa as Farm Fresh failed to score a single point for almost three minutes, with Minowa tallying two blocks and four deflections in the most crucial stretch of the decider.

Royse Tubino tried to spark Farm Fresh’s hopes of an improbable comeback after scoring against the tough Creamline defense to trim the deficit to 4-12, but Galanza’s off-speed hit and Tots Carlos’ drop ball sealed the deal for the Cool Smashers.

It was a competitive matchup in the first four sets as both squads traded blows, with Farm Fresh’s Ces Molina turning back the hands of time with a big-time performance backstopped by Trisha Tubu and Tubino.

However, the quartet of Galanza, Minowa, Carlos, and Alyssa Valdez answered the call for Creamline, stepping up when their team needed them most, especially in the third set after the Foxies deadlocked the match at 1-all.

Galanza spearheaded Creamline’s overwhelming attack with 26 points built on 22 successful attacks, alongside 18 excellent receptions, 11 excellent digs, and two blocks.

Minowa picked up where she left off, chipping in 17 markers on 14 successful attacks, including three blocks, while Valdez and Carlos added 12 points apiece.

On the other hand, Molina’s vintage performance was highlighted by a game-high 27-point outing alongside 17 excellent digs, while Tubu and Tubino contributed 19 points apiece.

The Cool Smashers will look to extend their undefeated PVL streak Friday against guest team EST Cola, while Farm Fresh seeks to rebound in the day’s first scheduled match against the PLDT High-Speed Hitters.