Creamline caps AVC Champions League run in loss to Thai club

Creamline capped its run in the AVC Champions League as it fell to Thailand's Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C, 25-15, 25-22, 25-16, in the quarterfinals of the tournament on Thursday at the Philsports Arena.

The Thais proved to be too much for the Filipino squad as they led 19-14, thanks to Anastasya Kudryashova, before they made four straight points to widen the gap by nine. An attack error handed another point to the Cool Smashers before Tichakorn Boonlert put the Thais at match point. Jama Galanza salvaged one more before Saowapha Soosuk sealed the victory.

Nakhon Ratchasima Qmin C advanced to the semis, while the Cool Smashers were booted out of the tourney.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, however, said they will take the lessons from this tournament.

"Siyempre masaya kami na nakalaro sa AVC ulit kahit ganyan ang resulta. Hopefully, sa next international tournament, makapag-prepare kami nang mas maganda. Pero siyempre, walang excuses. Hindi kami nakapunta sa semifinals pero masaya pa rin kami and malaking tulong sa team namin ang experience na ito," Meneses said.

Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses and star Alyssa Valdez said they will take the lessons from their AVC Champions League stint as the experience will help the Cool Smashers moving forward @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/ccPx98RDj8

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) April 24, 2025

Reinforcement Anyse Marlee Smith led the Thai club with 13 points, while Onuma Sittirak and Sasipapron Janthawisut had 12 points apiece.

Import Anastasiya Kudryashova led Creamline with nine points, while Bernadeth Pons and reinforcement Anastassiya Kolomoyets had eight and seven points, respectively.

Prior to the quarters, Creamline defeated Al Naser before falling to Zhetysu in the preliminary round.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News