Creamline avoids historic 0–2 start, outlasts Petro Gazz as Valdez, Schwan shine in PVL Reinforced win

 The Creamline Cool Smashers rediscovered their championship form when it mattered most, fending off the Petro Gazz Angels in four sets, 25–20, 25–21, 17–25, 25–20, to notch their first win of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With their proud franchise staring down the possibility of a first-ever 0–2 start in its eight-year history, the Cool Smashers turned to their battle-tested core — and a red-hot American import — to steady the ship.

Courtney Schwan delivered when the lights burned brightest, scoring 13 of her 27 points in the fourth set alone to cap Creamline’s fiery 13–5 closing run that sealed the victory. Her power-hitting display down the stretch reminded everyone why Creamline remains one of the league’s most dangerous squads even amid roster adjustments and early pressure.

Team captain Alyssa Valdez orchestrated the team’s all-around resurgence with the first triple-double of the conference — 14 points, 14 digs, and 13 receptions — while showing her trademark composure in crucial moments.

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SHE’S SCHWAN OF A KIND!

Coco ignited the Good Vibes for tonight’s match kaya siya ang ating Player of the Game!

Grabe ang all-around performance na pinakita mo idol, congratulations! Kita-kits tayo sa next game! #IgnitetheGoodVibes#CreamlineCreamyIceCream pic.twitter.com/Vv66XOH6yW

— Creamline Cool Smashers (@CoolSmashers) October 14, 2025

“It’s also a testament that we keep on working harder and harder every after game,” said Valdez, who visibly relished the emotional win. “We focus on every key point and that’s the result. We never back down in any situation and that’s why there’s just so much joy in this game.”

Meanwhile, Tots Carlos continued her steady rise with 14 attack points, helping the Cool Smashers weather Petro Gazz’s third-set push that briefly reignited the match.

“Sobrang excited kami sa Petro Gazz na makalaban sila knowing na every game ng Creamline at Petro Gazz, sobrang ganda talaga,” said head coach Sherwin Meneses, acknowledging the competitive history between the two powerhouse clubs.

That rivalry was on full display once again as Petro Gazz leaned on new American reinforcement Brooke Van Sickle, who exploded for 26 points built on 23 attacks, two aces, and a block. She got strong support from Lindsey Vander Weide, who also posted a triple-double of 17 points, 11 digs, and 10 receptions, but the Angels ultimately fell short in closing out the late-set rallies.

The defeat marked the first for the Van Sickle–Vander Weide coaching tandem, who began their campaign with a dominant sweep of Galeries Tower last week in Cavite.

Creamline’s victory also extended its dominance in one of the PVL’s defining rivalries, now holding a 29–10 all-time head-to-head record against Petro Gazz, including seven wins in 11 import-laden meetings.

More importantly, it was a win that preserved a little piece of franchise pride — and perhaps reignited the Cool Smashers’ title chase.

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