Experience lifts Creamline past Cignal in five-set thriller

The Creamline Cool Smashers leaned on their championship poise to outlast the Cignal HD Spikers in a nail-biting five-set duel, 22-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8, in the PVL Invitational on Thursday at the PhilSports Arena.

Fresh from a bronze medal finish in the PVL On Tour just days earlier, the Cool Smashers banked on veteran Michele Gumabao, who delivered a monster performance with 22 points and 15 digs taking home the Best Player of the Game. 

The reigning Invitational MVP stamped her class in the decider, firing five crucial points to widen Creamline’s lead, 12-6, before Sheena Toring and Jema Galanza pushed the team to match point at 14-7.

Galanza capped off the victory with 18 points and 17 excellent receptions, including the match-winning hit that sealed Creamline’s comeback.

“I think our biggest advantage was the team’s experience. That really helped us in this Invitational, especially since it was a total team effort, even in five-set matches,” said Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses in Filipino.

MASTERFUL OFFENSE

Michele Gumabao led the way for the Creamline Cool Smashers in their first win of the Invitational Conference against the Cignal HD Spikers.

For more PVL stories, visit https://t.co/JGLB5Z1F9I.#PVL2025 #PVLInvitationalhttps://t.co/Ds04dS7dHm

— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) August 21, 2025

The Cool Smashers had to claw back after dropping two tight sets, but their composure proved pivotal. Meneses credited his squad’s grit against a tough rival.

 “I think the number one thing is really the team’s determination, especially when we’re up against Cignal. Every point is super competitive, especially with Creamline. I guess what happens is the breaks of the game just go our way. Every time we play Cignal, it’s always a great match. I think the players also really look forward to playing them because they go all out and give their 110 percent.”

The victory evened Creamline’s record at 1-1, while Cignal slipped to 0-2.

“We just focused on taking it one point at a time. That’s really all we think about–giving 110%. Wherever that takes the team, that’s where we’ll go,” Meneses added.

Alyssa Valdez also came through with 11 points, 14 excellent receptions, and 12 digs, while playmaker Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets and added four points, including a rare scoring spike that highlighted Creamline’s dominant fourth set.

Cignal, meanwhile, saw Roselyn Doria-Guino-o shine with 21 points, 12 digs, and seven receptions, though her effort fell short. Erika Santos, the On Tour MVP, was limited to 11 points on a 10-of-40 attacking clip as the HD Spikers failed to sustain their early momentum.

The Cool Smashers now shift their focus to Chery Tiggo on Saturday, while Cignal looks to bounce back against PLDT.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.