The Creamline Cool Smashers wasted no time asserting their dominance, sweeping Nxled Chameleons 25-18, 25-17, 25-17 in the 2024-25 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference qualifying round on Thursday night at the PhilSports Arena.

Determined to avoid the fate of No. 3 seed Cignal, who suffered a historic upset earlier in the day, the top-ranked Cool Smashers displayed their firepower, depth, and composure, securing their spot in the quarterfinals in just one hour and 21 minutes.

Creamline’s Dominance in All Areas

Creamline left no room for doubt, outclassing Nxled in every category:

• 47 attack points vs. Nxled’s 33
• 5-1 blocking advantage (led by Bea de Leon)
• 6 service aces, exploiting Nxled’s shaky reception

Head coach Sherwin Meneses effectively rotated his deep bench, with 10 players contributing at least three points in the statement victory.

“I’m, of course, happy, and the team is happy as well because we’re in a good position heading into the quarterfinals. We’ll have more time to prepare,” Meneses said.

“Every time they step on the court, our players are always ready. Hopefully, we continue this level of play moving forward.”

Balanced Attack Leads the Way

Bea de Leon starred for Creamline, tallying 12 points from six attacks, five blocks, and an ace.

Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 15 excellent sets while adding four points of her own.

Other key contributors:

• Tots Carlos – 9 points
• Jeanette Panaga & Michelle Gumabao – 7 points each
• Alyssa Valdez, Rose Vargas, Bernadeth Pons & Jema Galanza – 4 points each
• Lorie Bernardo – 3 points

With three consecutive PVL titles, Creamline remains the team to beat, showing no signs of slowing down in their pursuit of a fourth straight championship.

Nxled Falls to Play-Ins

Nxled struggled to keep up with Creamline’s relentless pace. Chiara Permentilla was the lone bright spot, delivering 14 points (all from attacks) while adding 18 excellent receptions and six digs.

Jaycel Delos Reyes and EJ Laure contributed six and five points, respectively, but the Chameleons now drop to the play-ins, where they will battle for one of the two remaining quarterfinal slots.

What’s Next?

With their quarterfinal matchup set for March 15, Creamline now awaits the winner of the play-ins as they continue their title defense in the PVL All-Filipino Conference.