Creamline regains form, outlasts Chery Tiggo in four sets behind Schwan-Carlos spark

The Creamline Cool Smashers rediscovered their championship rhythm just when it mattered, shaking off early turbulence to overpower Chery Tiggo Crossovers in four hard-fought sets, 23-25, 25-23, 25-23, 25-17, on Tuesday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan.

It wasn’t a flawless performance, but it was the kind of win Creamline needed — a show of depth, composure, and adaptability after last week’s stunning loss to ZUS Coffee.

With team captain Alyssa Valdez still on restricted minutes, the spotlight fell on another former MVP — Tots Carlos, who embraced her new role as a converted open spiker with poise and authority. She complemented American import Courtney Schwan, who delivered a monster night with 29 points and nine receptions, her best performance of the conference so far.

“We’re still working things out. We tried to do [different] lineups tonight so we’re working on some things. I think everybody made an impact when they came in, so that was huge for us,” said Schwan, who continues to anchor Creamline’s attack with quiet efficiency. 

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What a sweet and strong comeback for the Cool Smashers!

Unstoppable sa court, solid pa din sa Good Vibes! Congrats, Volleybelles! #IgniteTheGoodVibes #CreamlineCoolSmashers #CreamlineCreamyIceCream pic.twitter.com/a58lIF6aBg

— Creamline Cool Smashers (@CoolSmashers) October 28, 2025

Head coach Sherwin Meneses echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the team’s ability to recover after losing the opening frame.

“’Yung pinaka-importante ay ‘yung maka-recover kami sa mga sitwasyon na medyo natatalo kami. Nu’ng naka-recover kami sa sets two, three, and four, napakalaking bagay,” Meneses said.

Down 21-23 in the third set, Carlos spearheaded Creamline’s comeback — firing three of the team’s last four points to swing the momentum permanently. Her debut as an opener ended in style, notching 17 points and 20 receptions for a gritty double-double.

Rookie Nica Celis also made the most of her extended minutes, contributing five points including key attacks that stretched Creamline’s lead to a match-high nine points, 23-14, in the fourth.

Veteran Michele Gumabao added six points and 14 digs in a balanced showing, while Creamline’s bench players provided valuable defensive energy.

The win boosted the defending champions to 3-2 (win-loss), placing them among the top three in Pool B with 10 match points, just ahead of Petro Gazz’s 3-2 record (8 points). It also ensured Creamline would avoid the top seeds from Pool A in the next group phase.

For Chery Tiggo, it was another night of near-misses despite Yuni Batista’s 22 points and 14 digs. Ces Robles and Mylene Paat added 11 and 10 points respectively, but main scorer Ara Galang struggled, limited to just five. 

Setter Alina Bicar’s 28 excellent sets and Jen Nierva’s 28 digs highlighted the effort, yet the Crossovers couldn’t sustain their strong start.

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