Creamline extends podium streak to 18 after sweeping Cignal for PVL on Tour bronze

Hungry for redemption, the Creamline Cool Smashers didn’t spare a single set against the Cignal HD Spikers, 25-17, 29-27, 25-17, and ultimately claim the bronze medal during the PVL on Tour at the Mall of Asia Arena last Sunday afternoon, August 17.

Creamline’s late surge in the second set was all the momentum they needed to mangle a beleaguered Cignal defense.  The victory secured the Cool Smashers their 18th consecutive PVL podium finish, a welcome consolation after their semifinal heartbreak against PLDT.

Player-of-the-game GM Gumabao forged the Cool Smashers’ path to victory with 21 points from 16 attacks, three blocks, and two aces. 

“It’s another blessing to finish on the Podium this season,” said the 32-year-old opposite hitter in a post-game interview.  

“Finishing Bronze may not be our best finish, but it is our destiny for this conference,” Gumabao added.

The Cool Smashers were on the hunt in the first set, igniting an 11-3 spurt to blitz through match point, 24-13. Cignal held for four rallies before Alyssa Valdez delivered an off-the-block spike to grant Creamline a 1-0 set edge.

Creamline wavered in the second set and trailed 20-24, but Gumabao and Valdez sparked a comeback to force a deuce at 24-all. With the pressure mounting, Pangs Panaga scored with a block before Gumabao’s cross-court hit sealed the thrilling 29-27 turnaround.

Creamline had leftover firepower from the second set, enough for them to storm ahead with a 7-0 cushion until Valdez sealed the deal with a spike to clinch the bronze triumph, 25-17.

Kyle Negrito bolstered the Cool Smashers’ offensive might with 16 excellent sets, as well as Jema Gallaza’s 13 timely points, while Valdez logged in 12 markers.

Meanwhile, Heather Guino-o was the consistent bright spot for the HD Spikers with 13 points backed by Opposite Hitter Erika Santos’ 12 markers.

This victory marks the Cool Smasher’s second bronze since the 2022 PVL Reinforced Conference. The team also received a Php 500,000 cash prize for securing third-place.

The PVL on Tour wraps up with Creamline eager to bounce back and aim for redemption in the upcoming PVL Invitational Conference at the Araneta Coliseum on August 21, where they look to reclaim their lost streak of three straight finals appearances.