Creamline drops first set but dominates next three vs Nxled

November 7 ------ COMPOSURE was once again on full display for Creamline, as it disposed of Nxled in four sets, 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18, in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Thursday at Playtime Filoil Centre.

Despite again having to deal with skipper Alyssa Valdez playing limited minutes, the Cool Smashers imposed their will against the still-winless Chameleons, with Michele Gumabao leading the charge this time with 13 points on nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces. “We really had to minimize our errors and to do better sa attacks namin,” said Gumabao. “Doon kami nagkulang talaga sa first set, 'di kami nakaka-convert. 'Pag nasabihan naman kami ng mga coaches namin, we just really have to apply it in the game.”

Though Nxled got the jump in the first set, its 27 errors proved to be its undoing, as Creamline restored order in Sets 2-4, overpowering its opponent and only allowing 29 points. Also doing the heavy lifting was import Coco Schwan, who delivered 14 points, all but one coming from attacks, while Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos’ combined 23 markers were also pivotal in the middle sets.

In the fourth set, the Chameleons momentarily showed signs of life, trimming a nine-point deficit to just five, 23-18. Unfortunately for them, Valdez, who up to point had only played in the first set, was sent back in for clean-up, as the Cool Smashers elevated to a 4-2 record. Martinez ultimately ended with 18 points, while Chiara Permentilla backed her up with 14 in the Chameleons' sixth loss in as many matches.

While Creamline’s play has been up-and-down in the tournament, this strong start to the second round has given it much-welcome momentum ahead of its rivalry game with Choco Mucho. What will continue to be key? Staying focused on the Creamline brand of volleyball. As Gumabao elaborated, “Siyempre, we’re gonna draw confidence from that, na defending champion kami, but we have to work na parang hindi. So, we really have to work harder than the other teams." “Kailangan pagpasok namin talaga sa loob ng court mas gigil kami because 'pag masyado kaming relaxed, as what happened to the first set, yung energy namin bumababa talaga,” she added.

Source: spin.ph