“She’s one of us”: Alyssa Valdez on Creamline’s new import Courtney Schwan

The Creamline Cool Smashers found their championship rhythm just when they needed it most, outlasting the Petro Gazz Angels in four sets, 25–20, 25–21, 17–25, 25–20, to earn their first win of the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference on Tuesday, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Facing the prospect of a first-ever 0–2 start in their proud eight-year franchise history, the Cool Smashers leaned on their veteran core — and a clutch performance from their American import — to steady the ship.

Courtney Schwan delivered in spectacular fashion, exploding for 13 of her 27 points in the fourth set alone, powering Creamline’s decisive 13–5 closing run to seal the victory. Her late-game heroics reaffirmed Creamline’s status as one of the PVL’s most formidable squads, even amid lineup changes and early-season adversity.

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Team captain Alyssa Valdez also turned in a vintage performance, notching the conference’s first triple-double with 14 points, 14 digs, and 13 excellent receptions. The Philippine volleyball icon guided Creamline with her trademark poise and leadership, especially during pressure moments.

Valdez praised Schwan’s impact after the match, highlighting her composure and maturity in critical situations.

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Hear from Creamline head coach Sherwin Meneses, Alyssa Valdez and Courtney Schwan on taking down Petro Gazz for their first win of the conference. #PVL2025 #PVLReinforced @spinph pic.twitter.com/JNtgN59vli

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) October 14, 2025

“Coco is a very mature, well-experienced player,” Valdez said. “We saw how composed she was in that crucial stretch of the fourth set. It’s such a boost to have a teammate like that — someone who can carry the team and bring out the best in everyone.”

Despite being new to the squad, Schwan has already made her presence felt off the court as well.

“She gives so much helpful advice — even little things that really make a difference. She’s very straightforward and direct, and we really appreciate that. We’re all veterans here, so open communication is key,” Valdez explained.

“Most of all, she really owned that moment. And honestly, she’s not just a reinforcement — she’s one of us. She is a Creamline Cool Smasher.”

The win also extended Creamline’s dominance in one of the PVL’s marquee rivalries, as they improved their all-time head-to-head record against Petro Gazz to 29–10, including seven wins in 11 import-laden encounters.

With momentum on their side, Valdez and the Cool Smashers will look to build on this breakthrough when they face the Galeries Tower Highrisers on Saturday, October 18, at Capital Arena in Ilagan City.

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