CEBU CITY — Creamline showed its championship poise, sweeping Akari, 25-18, 25-21, 25-18, before a roaring crowd of 19,106 at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena late Saturday. Jema Galanza earned top honors with 16 points.

The Cool Smashers extended their run since reclaiming the PVL All-Filipino crown last April. They did it with a deep group of attackers and tight net defense, while the Chargers struggled with first-ball reception and passing.

Jema Galanza Delivers Clutch Hits as Creamline Sweeps Akari

Creamline led 21-12 in the second set before Akari mounted a seven-point run sparked by Ivy Lacsina. The surge was capped by a wayward attack from Galanza, and coach Sherwin Meneses called consecutive timeouts to stop the bleeding.

Mary Rhose Dapol added an ace as Akari kept pressing. Bea de Leon answered with a quick attack, and Galanza shook off her miscue with a crosscourt hit and a spike that spun off a defender and landed in Zone 1 for set point.

Akari then misplayed a Creamline serve, and Lorie Bernardo hammered home the overpass to close the set and take a 2-0 lead. Akari opened the third-set scoring, but Creamline answered with five straight points.

The Chargers tried to rally from 12-19, with a three-point run capped by an ace from Sharya Ancheta. They got no closer than 18-21 as Galanza took charge again with two clutch hits, including an off-balance left-handed push.

Akari challenged a call for a possible antenna violation, but a video review upheld the ruling. Michele Gumabao then sealed the win with a thunderous hit after a three-exchange rally.

Creamline Continuity Fuels Siklab Series Statement in PVL 10th Season

Creamline made minimal roster changes in the offseason, and the chemistry showed on the court. That seasoned core has helped fuel the Cool Smashers’ 11-championship haul in the league.

“Sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam na lahat kami nag-contribute. This is what we train for, at sana magtuloy-tuloy ito,” Galanza said. The former Adamson U standout spiked her all-around performance with 16 points.

Asked how the PVL, now in its 10th season, has shaped her, Galanza expressed gratitude for the opportunities the league has given her on and off the court. She also credited it for helping her family.

“Thankful ako sa PVL kasi hindi lang sa volleyball ako nag-grow through the years, pati na rin sa buhay. Maraming naitulong sa akin ang liga, pati sa family ko, at nakakatuwa dahil sa pamamagitan ng PVL, napapasaya namin ang fans,” Galanza said.

Together with Choco Mucho’s five-set win over Capital1, the sweep set an early tone for the Siklab Series. The sister teams made early statements in the all-to-play, three-conference race for the All-Filipino crown.