MANILA — Defending champion Creamline Cool Smashers shrugged off the absence of several star players and leaned on its depth to defeat the Nxled Chameleons, 25-18, 25-23, 16-25, 25-19, and kick off its 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour Showdown campaign with an impressive victory on Wednesday at Capital Arena in Isabela.
Playing without veterans Diana Carlos, Alyssa Valdez, Bea De Leon, Jeanette Panaga, and national team setter Jia De Guzman, who remains on duty with Alas Pilipinas, the Cool Smashers still displayed their trademark balance and composure to secure their opening win in the preseason tournament.
Veteran hitter Michele Gumabao-Panlilio spearheaded Creamline’s offense with 18 points built on 16 attacks, one block, and one service ace.
Lorie Lyn Bernardo provided strong support with 13 points on 12 attacks and one block, while Jessica Galanza finished with eight points and anchored the team’s floor defense with 13 excellent digs.
Setter Kyle Negrito efficiently ran the Cool Smashers’ offense, tallying 16 excellent sets while adding one point.
Creamline dominated the opening two sets before Nxled fought back with an emphatic third-set victory. The Cool Smashers, however, quickly regained control in the fourth set, pulling away in the closing stretch to wrap up the match in four sets.
MarJana Phillips paced the Chameleons with 13 points, while Ennajie Laure-Carino added 12 markers. Veterans Myla Pablo and Jonah Sabete-Escanillan chipped in 11 points apiece in the losing effort.
In the tournament opener, ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles also opened their campaign on a winning note after defeating the Akari Power Chargers, 25-11, 25-23, 26-28, 25-17.
The Thunderbelles relied on the strong performances of their offseason acquisitions to notch their first preseason victory.
Zam Nolasco and Alexis Miner scored 15 points each. Nolasco produced 11 attacks and four blocks, while Miner combined 11 attacks and four blocks with 10 excellent digs.
Jolina Dela Cruz, acquired from sister team Farm Fresh Foxies, made an immediate impact with 12 points on 11 attacks and contributed 13 excellent receptions.
Veteran Rachel Anne Daquis added 11 points, while setter Cloanne Mondonedo directed the offense with 21 excellent sets and one point for the Frank Lao-owned squad.
Akari was led by Christine Joy Soyud, who posted a match-high 16 points, including 14 attacks, while Ivy Lacsina contributed nine points in defeat./PN
