Defending champion Creamline formalized its entry in the quarterfinals after sweeping Choco Mucho, 25-17, 25-17, 25-23, in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers displayed nerves of steel, coming back from two points down in the final stretch of the third set behind a 5-1 closing run for their fifth win in seven outings in Pool C.
Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses lauded his players for their collective team effort in the quick 86-minute win.
"I think the team performed and responded well in the game today, especially our outside hitters. They worked on their passing. Our bench players also delivered. Our teamwork won us this game," he said.
Setter Kyle Negrito effectively utilized Creamline’s deep arsenal with 18 excellent sets that helped the Cool Smashers punch in 39 attacks for their third straight victory.
American import Coco Schwan hammered 12 kills, two kill blocks and an ace in a 15-point effort she laced with 13 excellent receptions and seven digs for Creamline.
Michele Gumabao had nine markers, Tots Carlos scored eight and Pangs Panaga had seven markers, with her last point coming off a kill block over Isa Molde to seal the deal.
The Flying Titans threatened to send the match into an extension after going up, 22-20, in the third frame. The Cool Smashers tied it at 22 but Royse Tubino pushed Choco Mucho back in front, 23-22.
Schwan answered with an off the block hit before Gumabao penetrated a down the line kill that grazed the arm of Flying Titans libero Thang Ponce before Panaga’s defensive gem.
Choco Mucho absorbed a fourth loss in a row for a 2-5 card.
Molde had 11 points as the lone Flying Titan in double figures while Maddie Madayag and Tubino got seven and six markers, respectively.
Meanwhile, Akari crushed Nxled, 25-13, 25-17, 25-22, to stay in the hunt for a quarters seat.
The Chargers hiked their record to 4-3 while dealing the Chameleons their seventh loss in as many games in Pool C.