“I still have it”: Alyssa Valdez sends a strong message after winning 11th PVL title 

The Creamline Cool Smashers returned to the summit of Philippine volleyball, capturing their 11th championship in the Premier Volleyball League after surviving a grueling five-set battle against the Cignal HD Spikers in Game 2 of the All-Filipino Conference Finals, 25-23, 22-25, 25-16, 16-25, 15-11, on Thursday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Backed by a packed and roaring crowd, the Cool Smashers leaned on their championship experience to weather a determined challenge from Cignal, which pushed the defending powerhouse to the limit in a match that showcased the intensity, grit, and high-level execution expected from a title decider.

Both teams traded blows from the opening set, with momentum swinging wildly throughout the contest. Creamline drew first blood in a tightly contested opening frame before Cignal responded with composure to even the match. The Cool Smashers then surged ahead with a dominant third-set performance, only for the HD Spikers to answer back in the fourth, forcing a winner-take-all fifth set that had the crowd on edge.

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When it mattered most, Creamline’s poise and championship pedigree came to the fore. The Cool Smashers executed with precision in the deciding frame, capitalizing on crucial points and minimizing errors to close out the match and seal the title, denying Cignal any chance of extending the series.

Leading the charge was Bernadeth Pons, who delivered a sensational all-around performance. Pons tallied 22 points while anchoring the defense with 25 excellent digs and 15 receptions, completing a rare triple-double effort that earned her Finals Most Valuable Player honors.

She was ably supported by Tots Carlos, who contributed 18 points, while Jema Galanza and Pangs Panaga added 12 and 10 points, respectively, in a balanced offensive display that proved crucial in outlasting their opponents.

The victory also added another chapter to the storied career of Alyssa Valdez, widely regarded as the face of Philippine volleyball. The Cool Smashers captain secured her 11th PVL championship, further cementing her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures.

Despite an already decorated career, Valdez emphasized that her motivation continues to come from within.

WATCH: Alyssa Valdez relishes Creamline’s 11th championship, praises Cignal MVP Vanie Gandler. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/erU493O3yX

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“At this point in my career, I want to prove not to other people, but to myself that I’m here because I still want it and I still have it,” Valdez said after the match.

Creamline’s title run was particularly meaningful given the adversity the team faced in the previous season, where they failed to secure a championship—an unusual drought for the league’s most dominant franchise. Entering the All-Filipino Conference, the team found itself in unfamiliar territory, forced to rediscover its identity and hunger.

Valdez acknowledged the challenges that shaped their journey back to the top.

“Yung Creamline ngayon, I would say seasoned talaga kasi throughout the conference, ang daming struggles. Honestly, parang bumalik kami sa first-ever time kasi ang hirap din. Tagal naming hindi nakakuha ng championship. Ang gusto lang namin is one, makilala namin yung sarili namin. And two, ibalik lang namin yung joy sa paglalaro ng volleyball,” she shared.

That renewed sense of purpose translated into a resilient campaign, with the Cool Smashers navigating tough matches and growing stronger as the tournament progressed—hallmarks of a championship team.

For Cignal, the loss was a heartbreaking end to an impressive finals run. The HD Spikers displayed remarkable grit and refused to be intimidated, pushing Creamline to the brink and proving they are a legitimate contender moving forward.

As for Valdez, even with her legacy firmly secured, the passion for the game remains as strong as ever.

“I just really wanna enjoy playing volleyball,” she said.

With the title reclaimed and their dynasty reaffirmed, Creamline once again stands atop the PVL, a testament to its enduring excellence and the winning culture that continues to define the franchise.

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