Creamline recovered from a slow start to defeat Chery Tiggo 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre on Tuesday night, October 28. Coco Schwan and Pangs Panaga led the charge, keeping the Cool Smashers in contention for a Top 3 finish in Pool B of the PVL Reinforced Conference.

Schwan exploded for 29 points on 25 attacks and four service aces, while Panaga dominated at the middle with 16 points and five blocks. Their performance helped Creamline close the first phase of the preliminaries with a 3-2 record, tying Petro Gazz behind unbeaten ZUS Coffee (4-0).

Creamline steadies after early struggles

After dropping the opening set, Creamline relied on depth, system, and net defense to regain control. Chery Tiggo’s Yuni Batista and veterans challenged the defending champions early, exploiting passing and rhythm issues. But Creamline adjusted, tightening floor coverage and stabilizing reception.

Schwan’s cross-court hits and clutch serving drove the comeback, while Panaga turned the middle into a fortress. Creamline dominated blocking 11-7 and converted erratic Crossovers’ reception into eight service aces, four by Schwan alone. Setter Kyle Negrito distributed 29 excellent sets, keeping the offense balanced.

Tots Carlos contributed 17 points, Michele Gumabao added six, and rookie Nica Celis scored five in two sets. Creamline’s defense was solid: Carlos had 20 excellent receptions, Kyle Atienza 16 digs, and Gumabao 14.

Depth and discipline carry Creamline

Coach Sherwin Meneses highlighted the team’s ability to recover mid-match. “Yung total ng points ng team, distributed talaga ngayon so group effort ‘yung nangyari today,” he said. Even without Alyssa Valdez playing much in the first set, Creamline’s offense remained fluid and aggressive.

Batista led Chery Tiggo with 22 points, while Cess Robles and Mylene Paat added 11 and 10. However, their efforts were neutralized by Creamline’s defensive pressure and diverse attack. By the fourth set, Creamline’s block timing, transition plays, and communication were sharper, controlling the tempo and closing the match in just over two hours.

Panaga earned Best Player of the Game honors with five blocks, underscoring Creamline’s depth and defensive discipline as the team prepares for the crossover stage.