Courtney Schwan reinvents role, helps Creamline oust Nxled in four sets 

Creamline’s roster has never lacked star power — but on nights when they need grit more than glamour, Courtney Schwan is the one who ties it all together.

Against the Nxled Chameleons on Sunday night, Schwan didn’t need to light up the stat sheet to make her presence felt. Instead, she turned defense into Creamline’s most potent weapon, steering the Cool Smashers to a 20-25, 25-13, 25-16, 25-18 comeback win in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

“Like we talked about, any way that I can help. And if I’m not scoring very much this match, or I was having a tough time in the first set, per se, I’ll find another way to help the team the best that I can,” Schwan said after the game.

And she did exactly that — anchoring Creamline’s floor defense and calming the chaos that threatened to derail their rhythm early. The 29-year-old outside hitter collected 15 excellent receptions and 14 digs, transforming what began as a shaky start into a clinical display of composure and control. 

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Another great win for our Pink Volleybelles! Let’s keep the good vibes going #IgniteTheGoodVibes#CreamlineCoolSmashers#CreamlineCreamyIceCream pic.twitter.com/W8PDS5JlF2

— Creamline Cool Smashers (@CoolSmashers) November 6, 2025

Her steadying influence proved crucial, especially with Alyssa Valdez once again playing limited minutes as she continues to manage her workload. With their captain watching from the sidelines for long stretches, Creamline’s veteran core stepped up — Michele Gumabao leading the scoring with 13 points built on a complete performance of nine attacks, two blocks, and two aces.

“And today, for me, that was defense. So, I tried to step up the best that I could there and really didn’t see anything that I couldn’t handle,” Schwan added.

The win also highlighted Creamline’s adaptability. Once their service pressure and first-ball defense clicked, their offense opened up — a reflection of how Schwan’s energy rippled across the lineup.

Coco Schwan, Creamline’s import, provided firepower of her own with 14 points, while Pangs Panaga and Tots Carlos combined for 23 markers, controlling the tempo in the middle sets.

Nxled, still searching for their first victory, had bright moments, especially when Paola Martínez sparked a late 5-0 rally in the fourth set that cut Creamline’s 10-point cushion to five. Martínez finished with 18 points, while Chiara Permentilla added 14. But their push was halted when Jaja Maraguinot’s service error stopped the surge, allowing Creamline to close the match on their terms.

For a team often defined by its offensive rhythm, Sunday night was a reminder that the Cool Smashers’ real strength lies in their ability to adapt — and in players like Courtney Schwan, who can reshape her game to whatever the team needs most.

Because for Creamline, having weapons is one thing. Having balance — and someone willing to hold the line — is what keeps them championship-ready.

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