MANILA – Vintage Alyssa Valdez put on a throwback performance to lead the Creamline Cool Smashers’ redemption drive, steering them to a 25-20, 25-21, 17-25, 25-20 victory over the Petro Gazz Angels in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
After suffering a stinging five-set defeat to Akari last weekend, the Cool Smashers bounced back behind Valdez’s all-around brilliance.
The veteran skipper tallied a triple-double — 14 points, 14 excellent digs, and 13 excellent receptions — in a vintage display of leadership and hustle that powered Creamline’s balanced offense and defense.
Import Courtney Schwann topped the scoring for Creamline with 27 points off 24 attacks and three blocks, while also collecting 16 excellent receptions.
Diana Carlos chipped in 14 points as the Cool Smashers improved to a 1-1 slate in Pool B.
“Coming from a tough loss, we just reminded ourselves to enjoy the game again and trust each other more,” said Valdez after the match.
Petro Gazz’s import duo Brooke Van Sickle and Lindsey Vander Weide finished with 26 and 17 points, respectively, but their efforts were not enough to stop the Cool Smashers’ late surge. The Angels dropped to an even 1-1 record.
Meanwhile, the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles continued their flawless start to the conference, sweeping the Galeries Tower Highrisers, 25-20, 25-16, 25-16, to go 2-0.
Rookie Alexa Miner starred for the Thunderbelles with 10 points built on seven attacks, two service aces, and one block, earning Player of the Game honors. Import Anna Debeer led the charge with 18 markers, while Fiola Ceballos added seven.
For Galeries Tower, Jelena Cvijokic scored 11 points, and Jean Asis had nine as the Highrisers slid to 0-2./PN
