Creamline leaned on its championship pedigree and balanced attack to subdue Capital1, weathering another explosive showing from Bella Belen to post a 25-18, 26-24, 25-20 victory in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries in San Juan on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Even with Belen erupting for 26 points, the Cool Smashers again showed why they remain the league’s benchmark. Depth, system play, and late-set composure ultimately outweighed individual brilliance.

The turning point came in the second set when Creamline refused to fold. Down 17-23, the Cool Smashers ripped off a decisive 6-0 run that began with a Capital1 service error and quickly shifted the match’s emotional balance.

Veteran poise fuels Creamline comeback

The rally was anchored by calm execution and trust in the system. Jema Galanza delivered key hits, while Bernadette Pons powered through a crucial second-chance attack to swing the lead.

Pressure mounted on Capital1, and the sequence ended with Leila Cruz sending an attack long. The swing handed Creamline a commanding two-set cushion and drained momentum from the Solar Spikers.

If the second frame highlighted grit, the third showcased polish. The Cool Smashers tightened their floor defense and maintained crisp ball movement to keep Capital1 off balance throughout the stretch run.

Though Creamline briefly lost an early cushion, the veterans quickly regrouped. Galanza heated up during the pivotal stretch before Tots Carlos calmly delivered the finishing blows to wrap up the one-hour, 39-minute win.

Balanced attack exposes Capital1 reliance

The victory marked Creamline’s third straight triumph and its first sweep since a loss to PLDT High Speed Hitters. With the roster finally intact, the Cool Smashers displayed the rhythm and cohesion that have defined their dynasty.

“Good vibes lang kami sa Creamline,” said Pons after earning Best Player of the Game honors with 14 points and 10 excellent receptions. She emphasized the team’s commitment to sharing the ball and staying loose regardless of the score.

Pons added that composure powered their second-set escape. Even when Capital1 built separation, the Cool Smashers stayed locked into their roles and trusted the system to generate opportunities.

Carlos paced the offense with 15 points, while Galanza supplied 13 in another efficient outing. Pangs Panaga contributed eight markers, highlighted by three blocks, and Jia De Guzman orchestrated the attack with 22 excellent sets and three points.

Statistically, the match remained competitive. Creamline held narrow edges in attacks, blocks, and aces, but the numbers only partially reflected its overall control of the contest.

With De Guzman distributing from all angles, the Cool Smashers repeatedly found quality looks. Their ability to rotate scorers kept Capital1’s defense guessing deep into each set.

On the other side, Belen once again carried the scoring burden for the Capital1 Solar Spikers. The former UAAP star followed up her previous 29-point outing with another 26-point explosion.

However, the support never consistently arrived. Belen was eventually lifted late in the third after Galanza fired an ace that pushed Creamline ahead 23-16, effectively sealing the outcome.

The offensive pattern became increasingly clear as the match progressed. When Capital1 needed points, the ball almost always went to Belen, allowing Creamline to key in defensively.

Ypril Tapia finished with four points, while Cruz and Sydney Niegos managed just three each. The steep drop in secondary production underscored Capital1’s heavy reliance on its star scorer.

In contrast, Creamline’s depth allowed multiple weapons to emerge in key moments. Against a disciplined and well-balanced opponent, Capital1’s one-dimensional attack proved difficult to sustain over three sets.