PVL: Creamline dominates Cignal in Game 1 sweep, inches closer to All-Filipino crown

MANILA, April 22 ------ Creamline overwhelmed Cignal with a sweep in Game 1 of the Finals, 25-22, 25-18, 25-16, to inch closer to the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference title at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

There was no hitting on the brakes for the Cool Smashers, who are in the Finals for the 15th time, attacking with precision and focus from start to finish in the opener. Leading the way was Jema Galanza, who registered 17 points built on 16 attacks to go with 13 excellent receptions, while Bernadeth Pons was the other player in twin-digit scoring, firing 11 points and also anchored the defense with 15 excellent digs. They had a better attacking clip, converting 46 spikes on 167 attempts, whereas the Super Spikers nailed 38 attacks on more tries with 174. Pulling the strings altogether was Creamline's main playmaker Jia de Guzman, who listed 22 excellent sets. "Siyempre sobrang happy kasi three sets namin nakuha 'yung Cignal — malaking benefit, kasi one day preparation lang sa Game 2. So, makakapag-rest kami nang maganda, then makapag-training kasi 'di pa naman tapos 'yung laban. Pero siyempre, big advantage sa amin," said coach Sherwin Meneses during the postgame press conference.

Another aspect of the game that spelled the difference was the opposition's errors, as the Super Spikers committed 22 mistakes, while the Cool Smashers only gave 12. The PVL powerhouse club has a chance to close it out in Game 2 this Thursday, April 23. Across the taraflex was Cignal, which fell to a 0-1 hole, hoping to force another affair in the Finals. Pacing the losing cause was Vanie Gandler, who had 17 points and 10 receptions, while Erika Santos chipped in 10 points and 10 digs.

Source: news.abs-cbn.com