Creamline, ZUS Coffee thrive as PVL On Tour opens with experimental rules

Adaptability took center stage as Creamline and ZUS Coffee emerged victorious in the opening day of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) On Tour, navigating a slate of experimental rules that reshaped the flow of competition at the Capital Arena, July 8.

Serving as a six-week preseason tournament, the PVL On Tour introduced several trial regulations aimed at testing new in-game dynamics, including the return of the two-point “Premier Ball,” the mandatory participation of all 14 active players before the end of the second set, the removal of technical timeouts, and cash incentives of P100,000 for each winning team and P50,000 for the losing side.

Among the first squads to embrace the new format was ZUS Coffee, which defeated Akari, 25–11, 25–23, 26–28, 25–17, to secure the tournament’s opening win.

The mandatory rotation rule highlighted the Thunderbelles’ depth as Zam Nolasco paced the team with 15 points built on 11 attacks and four blocks to earn Player of the Game honors. 

AC Miner matched her output with 15 markers, while Jolina Dela Cruz added 12.

Akari found resistance behind Eli Soyud’s 16 points and claimed the third set, but struggled to sustain its rhythm while rotating through its full roster, allowing ZUS Coffee to close out the match in four sets.

Creamline later showcased its trademark depth despite fielding a depleted lineup, dispatching Nxled, 25–18, 25–23, 16–25, 25–19, in the nightcap.

With several Alas Pilipinas standouts unavailable due to national team commitments, veteran Michele Gumabao led the Cool Smashers with 18 points, while newcomer Ishie Lalongisip impressed with nine markers in her team debut.

Nxled, powered by MJ Phillips’ 13 points, capitalized on a stretch of rotation changes to take the third set before Creamline regained control in the fourth.

The experimental format forced coaches to maximize their benches early, with every player required to appear before the second set concluded, creating frequent lineup changes rarely seen in regular-season competition.

The revival of the Premier Ball, which awards two points on a successfully called rally before either team reaches 22 points in a set, also introduced additional strategic decisions throughout the matches.

Unlike previous PVL competitions, the preseason caravan does not award an overall championship, with each match carrying its own financial incentive instead of contributing to league standings.

The PVL On Tour continues its six-week regional schedule as teams adapt to the league’s trial rules while preparing for the upcoming professional season.

With reports from ABS-CBN