Alyssa Valdez vows Creamline will keep fighting amid adversity and struggles in the PVL

The Creamline Cool Smashers are facing uncharacteristic turbulence in the ongoing 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as the perennial contenders struggle to live up to their billing as one of the league’s dominant forces.

Long regarded as a model of consistency and excellence, Creamline has recently shown signs of vulnerability—most notably in their four-set loss to the Farm Fresh Foxies at the Santa Rosa Sports Complex on Tuesday, March 17. In a match filled with intensity and momentum swings, the Cool Smashers fell short, 25-16, 25-22, 18-25, 25-23, marking their second consecutive defeat in the conference.

The loss exposed gaps in both execution and cohesion, compounded by the absence of key figures within the Creamline camp. Head coach Sherwin Meneses was unavailable as he remained hospitalized, while top scorers Bernadeth Pons and Jema Galanza were sidelined for undisclosed reasons. Their absence forced the team to adjust on the fly, testing the depth and resilience of the roster.

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Despite the setbacks, team captain Alyssa Valdez stepped up to lead from the front. Valdez delivered a commendable all-around performance, finishing with 14 points and 11 digs, while Tots Carlos provided offensive firepower with 18 points. Still, their efforts were not enough to overcome a surging Farm Fresh side that capitalized on Creamline’s inconsistencies.

Speaking after the match, Valdez acknowledged the challenges the team is currently facing but emphasized their commitment to remain competitive despite the adversity.

Alyssa Valdez after an undermanned Creamline side fell to Farm Fresh. #PVL2026 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/EF7NhMbZ1m

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) March 17, 2026

“Coming into this game, our mindset was really just to fight and give our all. There were things that happened that we couldn’t control – situations we didn’t expect that came all at once. It’s definitely sad that we are not complete. But even if they are not here physically, we know they are still supporting us. It’s a big adjustment,” Valdez said in the post-match press conference.

The absence of Pons and Galanza—two of the league’s most prolific scorers—has significantly altered Creamline’s offensive dynamics. Valdez admitted that filling the void left by the duo is no easy task, but stressed the importance of maintaining a positive mindset as they navigate this stretch.

“We all know Jema and Pons are among the top players in the PVL right now, so it’s a huge loss. But we are staying positive that they can still help in other ways and come back stronger. We are also sad that coach Sherwin isn’t with us, and we are praying for his fast recovery.

“For this tournament, we will just keep fighting and giving our best every game. Wherever that takes us, we will accept it. But we will still prepare hard for every match. But that’s how it is, there are things we don’t expect. We just have to be ready and keep fighting. That’s one of the things we have learned: to fight, give our all, and accept wherever we end up. What’s important is that we stay together as a team,” Valdez concluded.

The defeat dropped Creamline to fourth place in the standings with a 5-3 record, tightening the race for playoff positioning in the latter stages of the elimination round. While the Cool Smashers remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth, their margin for error has narrowed considerably.

All eyes will now be on their crucial final elimination round assignment against the Cignal HD Spikers on Saturday, March 21, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. A victory would not only secure their place in the next phase but also restore some much-needed confidence as they aim to regroup and rediscover the form that has long defined their success in the PVL.

For Creamline, the challenge moving forward is clear: overcome adversity, adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and prove that even amid setbacks, championship-caliber teams find a way to rise.

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