Creamline reasserted its championship credentials on Tuesday, October 14, night, outdueling Petro Gazz in a heated four-set clash that lit up the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Fueled by late scoring bursts and Coco Schwan’s steady scoring hand, the Cool Smashers came away with a gritty 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20 win to get back on track in the PVL Reinforced Conference.

Coming off a tough five-set defeat to Akari, Creamline entered the matchup determined to bounce back. Petro Gazz, on the other hand, was riding high after a sweep of Galeries Tower, making their encounter a true early litmus test for both contenders.

Creamline withstands Petro Gazz’s mid-match push

The Cool Smashers looked in full control after racing to a two-set lead, but the Angels fought back in the third, dominating at the net behind Brooke Van Sickle and Lindsey Vander Weide. That resurgence carried over to the fourth set as Petro Gazz surged to a 4-0 lead and later held a 15-13 edge.

But Creamline flipped the switch at the perfect time. An error by Vander Weide opened the door for Schwan, who delivered a series of clutch attacks to spark a decisive 6-0 run that swung the momentum permanently. Schwan’s mix of power and off-speed precision pushed Creamline ahead 18-15 and deflated the Angels’ comeback bid.

“It took a while to find my rhythm, but it came at the right time,” said Schwan, who poured in 27 points. “My teammates gave me confidence when I didn’t have it. We fed off each other and the fans.”

Schwan credited their improved composure and aggressive serving for the turnaround. “We played with more calm and confidence, and our serves put pressure on them,” she added.

A late Petro Gazz miscue — Jellie Tempiatura mishandling an overdig that was heading out — ended the match, sending Creamline’s supporters into a roar.

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Schwan, Valdez and Carlos carry the Cool Smashers

Schwan spearheaded Creamline’s attack, while Tots Carlos and Alyssa Valdez chipped in 14 points each. Valdez anchored the defense with 14 digs and 13 receptions in a vintage all-around performance. Setter Kyle Negrito kept the offense humming with 17 excellent sets, while Kyle Atienza patrolled the backline with 15 excellent digs.

Petro Gazz leaned on Van Sickle’s 26-point explosion and Vander Weide’s 17 points to stay competitive. Rookie setter Jules Tolentino impressed in the third set, injecting life into the Angels’ attack with sharp decision-making and three points of her own.

MJ Phillips and Jonah Sabete struggled to get going, combining for just 10 points as the Angels faded in the fourth. Despite their strong third-set showing, Petro Gazz could not maintain its rhythm against Creamline’s late defensive wall.

Creamline set the tone early, shaking off Petro Gazz’s resistance in the opening set with a 4-0 finishing kick. The Angels repeatedly challenged the Cool Smashers with their floor defense and counter-attacks, but Creamline’s poise in the crucial stretches proved the difference in the tightly contested duel.