MANILA — Creamline Cool Smashers seized the outright lead in the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference after dismantling Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City in straight sets, 25-18, 25-16, 25-6, Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Cool Smashers improved to a tournament-best 2-0 record, emerging as the only unbeaten squad after two days of action in the six-team competition.
Coming off a four-set victory over Nxled in their opener, Creamline delivered a far more dominant performance against the Vietnamese side, punctuated by a ruthless third-set assault that effectively turned the match into a rout.
The Cool Smashers opened the final frame with 10 unanswered points and later built a staggering 17-1 advantage before turning to their reserves to complete the sweep.
Jessica Galanza spearheaded Creamline’s balanced attack with 12 points while anchoring the floor defense with 15 excellent digs to earn Player of the Game honors.
Galanza admitted that the demanding schedule has been physically taxing, but said the team’s preparation has helped them cope with the back-to-back games.
“Of course, we get tired, but for two months, our coaches, conditioning coach, and physical therapist really prepared us for this. That’s why I trust the preparation they put us through,” said Galanza.
She also emphasized the importance of maintaining the proper mindset despite the physical demands.
“So for me, I just focus on my mindset – what kind of mood and personality I need to bring into the game,” she added.
Creamline gradually broke away from Ho Chi Minh City in the opening set before tightening its grip on the match in the second.
The Cool Smashers then unleashed their most devastating stretch in the third, with Michele Gumabao scoring four points during the 10-0 opening salvo. Kyle Negrito fired a service ace, while Galanza delivered a kill block to immediately put Ho Chi Minh City under pressure.
Thi Kim Thanh Dang finally stopped the bleeding for the Vietnamese squad, but Creamline continued its relentless assault and stretched the margin to 17-1.
With the outcome virtually settled, the Cool Smashers deployed their reserves, and Bea de Leon delivered the match-clinching block to cap the emphatic victory.
Jaja Santiago and Tots Carlos added 12 points apiece for Creamline, while Alyssa Valdez contributed nine. Pangs Panaga and Gumabao chipped in six points each, underscoring the Cool Smashers’ depth and balanced offense.
Dang paced Ho Chi Minh City with eight points, while Le Thi My Xuyen and Dao Thi Nung finished with six and four, respectively.
The Vietnamese squad fell to 0-2 after suffering its second consecutive defeat in the tournament./PN
