Creamline rallies past Galeries Tower to claim share of PVL conference lead

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
October 18, 2026

Photo Courtesy: PVL

The Creamline Cool Smashers bounced back from a first-set loss to defeat Galeries Tower in four sets, 27-29, 25-18, 25-19, 25-18, in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference Siklab Series on Saturday at the Playtime Filoil Centre in San Juan City.

After dropping a tightly contested opening set, the 11-time champions regained their rhythm and dominated the next three frames to secure the two-hour, eight-minute victory.

Tots Carlos led Creamline with 13 points, all from attacks, as the Cool Smashers overcame an uncharacteristically slow start. Carlos was named Player of the Game.

Jema Galanza delivered an all-around performance with 12 points, 12 excellent digs and 11 receptions, while Alyssa Valdez contributed 10 points. Bea de Leon added eight points, including four blocks, as Creamline strengthened its defense at the net.

The Cool Smashers also held a clear advantage in attack points, 71-50, and blocks, 9-4. Galeries Tower, however, finished ahead in service aces, 9-2.

Erika Deloria paced the Highrisers with 21 points, while Shola Alvarez chipped in 11. Despite taking the opening set and building an early 5-1 lead in the second, Galeries Tower could not sustain its momentum against Creamline’s experienced lineup.

Carlos acknowledged that the team struggled with execution early in the match, particularly with basic errors and blocking on the right side. She also pointed to the importance of rediscovering the squad’s familiar playing rhythm.

The victory improved Creamline’s record to 2-0, putting the team in a three-way tie for the conference lead with Nxled and Choco Mucho, which also opened their campaigns with consecutive wins.

Galeries Tower, meanwhile, fell to 0-2 after suffering its second straight defeat.

Creamline will have a week-long break before returning to action against ZUS Coffee next Saturday, while Galeries Tower looks to recover in its upcoming matches.