Creamline’s reign ends as PLDT completes PVL Reinforced Conference semis cast

A reshaped Final Four is set in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference after Petro Gazz, PLDT, Akari and ZUS Coffee punched their semifinal tickets in a chaotic knockout Monday that saw defending champion Creamline bow out for the first time.

All four quarterfinal matches at the Smart Araneta Coliseum delivered surprises, but none bigger than the Cool Smashers’ unprecedented exit.

Petro Gazz boots out Creamline, ends historic podium streak

Petro Gazz opened the day by dismantling Creamline, 25-23, 25-19, 16-25, 25-14, handing the Cool Smashers their earliest finish since entering the league.

Instead of reliving last year’s quarterfinal loss to Creamline, the Angels reversed the narrative with steadier blocking and sharper transition plays. 

The win came despite losing import Lindsey Vander Weide early to an ankle injury, forcing Petro Gazz to rely heavily on its core.

Creamline, long known for its composure under pressure, never found its rhythm after the second set, ending a franchise run defined by consistent semifinal and podium appearances.

PLDT survives Cignal to lock in final semifinal seat

PLDT secured the last spot in the semis with a workmanlike 25-21, 25-18, 23-25, 25-21 decision over Cignal Super Spikers.

Savi Davison set the tone with her two-way production, while Anastasiia Bavykina and the veteran trio of Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes and Majoy Baron stabilized the High Speed Hitters in the tight fourth set.

The win keeps PLDT in contention for a third straight PVL crown and sets up a semifinals showdown with ZUS Coffee.

Akari shocks top seed Farm Fresh in straight sets

Eighth-ranked Akari delivered the tournament’s biggest upset after sweeping top-seeded Farm Fresh, 28-26, 30-28, 25-21.

The Chargers leaned on a disciplined floor defense anchored by libero Justine Jazareno, who kept the match under control despite Farm Fresh’s firepower. 

Import Brooke Nuneviller-Mitchem provided 25 points and anchored reception, while support came from Eli Soyud, Grethcel Soltones and Ced Domingo in key stretches.

The win marked Akari’s third consecutive semifinals appearance in a major PVL event.

ZUS Coffee earns first semifinal berth with win over Capital1

ZUS Coffee completed its breakthrough run after sweeping Capital1, 25-14, 25-20, 25-18, marking the franchise’s first-ever trip to the semifinals.

Import Anna DeBeer exploded for 24 attack points and led the Thunderbelles in digs and receptions, powering a ZUS offense that never trailed in the match. 

The performance capped the team’s best campaign since joining the league last year.

ZUS will next face PLDT, while Petro Gazz will battle Akari in the semifinals. Both matches will be played on Nov. 27.