PVL: Creamline grinds out five-set win vs. PLDT in All-Filipino semis

Creamline displayed nerves of steel to hack out a gritty 22-25, 27-25, 19-25, 28-26, 15-10 win over top-seeded PLDT in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference single-round semifinals on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Cool Smashers survived extended sets in Sets 2 and 4 before holding off a late Set 5 rally from the High Speed Hitters to take a 1-0 lead in the high-pressure semifinals.

Bernadeth Pons did a little bit of everything after pouring in a team-high 28 points anchored on 21 attacks, four blocks, and three aces while also  grabbing 22 receptions and 16 digs while Jema Galanza churned out 17 markers. 

Alyssa Valdez chipped in 10 points while Jeanette Panaga, Bea De Leon, and Tots Carlos each chimed in with eight markers as they joined Cignal as the early leaders in the semis. 

Creamline's championship poise was evident all throughout the match. 

PLDT was on the cusp of taking a commanding 2-0 lead when Savi Davison forced a 25-25 deadlock in Set 2, but Pons fueled a 2-0 run that allowed Creamline to equalize.

Creamline once again found itself in trouble in Set 4 after Carlos’ right-side attack clipped the antenna, handing PLDT match point at 26-25. Undeterred, the Cool Smashers responded with a well-executed combination play by Galanza, before Carlos scored on the next rally and a Davison attack error allowed Creamline to drag the set into a decider.

Holding a 5-4 lead in Set 5, the Cool Smashers suddenly broke away with a 5-0 run powered by Galanza, Pons, and De Leon to build a 10-4 advantage. But PLDT replied with a 6-2 blast capped by back-to-back attacks from Davison, pulling within just two points in the crucial stretch, 10-12. 

Panaga and Pons then delivered two consecutive points before Davison misfired her next attempt as Creamline braved through the match that last for two hours and 34 minutes. 

The loss spoiled a 23-point performance from Alleiah Malaluan, who also recorded 11 digs and 28 receptions. Davison and Kim Kianna Dy posted 22 and 16 markers each in the tough loss. 

—JKC, GMA News