Zhetysu VC of Kazakhstan made a strong statement in its 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Champions League debut, sweeping 10-time PVL champion Creamline, 25-16, 25-17, 25-17, on Monday, April 21, at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.

From the opening serve, Zhetysu asserted its dominance through crisp attacks and an imposing net presence. The Kazakhs’ height and speed consistently disrupted Creamline’s rhythm, leaving the Cool Smashers struggling to mount a sustained offense.

Zhetysu head coach Marko Grsic credited thorough preparation, including film study of the 2024-25 PVL Finals, for the win. “We were very, very prepared,” said Grsic, who noted his team’s familiarity with Creamline imports Anastassiya Kolomoyets and Anastasiya Kudryashova, both of whom played in Kazakhstan.

That preparation paid dividends. Creamline managed brief spurts, capitalizing on Zhetysu’s service errors, but the Kazakh club’s superior blocking and attacking efficiency ensured control throughout the one-hour, 10-minute contest.

Tatyana Nikitina led Zhetysu with 14 points—all off attacks—and added nine digs. Karyna Denysova scored 12, while Valeriya Yakutina anchored the defense with eight of the team’s 11 total blocks, finishing with 12 points including three attacks and an ace.

Creamline, which had swept Al Naser Club of Jordan on Sunday, fell to 1-1 in Pool A. Despite the loss, the Cool Smashers remain in quarterfinal contention. A Zhetysu win over Al Naser on Tuesday would assure Creamline of a spot in the next round.

Erica Staunton led the Cool Smashers with nine points. Kolomoyets and Kudryashova were limited to six and five markers, respectively. Alyssa Valdez and Bernadeth Pons each scored four, while Pangs Panaga and Lorie Bernardo chipped in three apiece.

Zhetysu now looks to complete a Pool A sweep against Al Naser. An Al Naser upset, however, could force a three-way tie at 1-1, with advancement decided by point ratios.