PVL: Creamline dumps Akari to begin All-Filipino title defense

Jema Galanza nearly had a triple-double as Creamline made quick work of Akari, 25-18, 25-21, 25-18 to open its title defense in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at the SM Seaside Cebu Arena.

The veteran spiker dropped 16 points anchored on 11 attacks, three blocks, and two aces while also grabbing 14 receptions and eight digs as the Cool Smashers claimed the victory in just one hour and 35 minutes.

A service ace from Galanza gave Creamline a 5-1 opening in Set 3 before she unloaded a single block on Baby Jyn Soreño’s attack from the opposite to create a 10-4 advantage.

Jeanette Panaga then returned an overpass from the middle for a 16-9 advantage, but the Chargers retaliated with a 6-3 rampage capped by a Sharya Ancheta ace to pull to within four, 19-15.

But Creamline showed poise in the endgame with Galanza getting lucky on the push to clinch the match point before Michele Gumabao hit one from the right side to seal it.

Panaga finished with seven points highlighted by five blocks while Gumabao chipped in six markers.

—JKC, GMA News