Creamline Ends Prelims on a High, Keeps Podium Streak Alive

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by Misha Cruz

Creamline Cool Smashers sweep ZUS Coffee to set a battle for bronze against Chery Tiggo.
Creamline Cool Smashers sweep ZUS Coffee to set a battle for bronze against Chery Tiggo. Photo: PVL Images.

The Cool Smashers are not going down without a fight! Creamline roared back into form on Friday, sweeping ZUS Coffee, 25-15, 25-18, 25-21, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to close out the 2025 PVL Invitational preliminaries with a statement.

The win couldn’t have come at a better time. After suffering back-to-back losses to Chery Tiggo and Kobe Shinwa, the Cool Smashers were staring at the possibility of their first-ever three-game losing skid in franchise history. But true to their champion DNA, they regrouped, played with fire, and got the job done when it mattered most.

Creamline’s revenge was extra sweet. Remember, ZUS Coffee actually stunned them in a five-setter during the preseason last July. This time, the Cool Smashers made sure there would be no repeat upset.

And at the center of it all? None other than Jema Galanza, who was absolutely unstoppable. Galanza delivered her third straight triple-double—18 points, 13 excellent receptions, and 11 digs. That’s consistency at its finest, as she managed at least a double-double in every single prelim match.

Creamline's Jema Galanza (in white) spikes the ball against ZUS Coffee's blockers.
Creamline's Jema Galanza (in white) spikes the ball against ZUS Coffee's blockers. Photo: PVL Images.

Backing her up were the ever-reliable veterans. Skipper Alyssa Valdez and reigning Invitational MVP Michele Gumabao chipped in nine points apiece, proving once again that Creamline’s depth is a force to be reckoned with.

This bounce-back victory keeps the 10-time PVL champs in line for yet another podium finish. In fact, Creamline has never missed the podium since joining the league in 2017—an incredible streak they’re determined to protect as they now set their sights on the bronze medal match against Chery Tiggo.

On the other side, it was a tough outing for ZUS Coffee. Playing shorthanded and missing key players, the Thunderbelles ended their Invitational debut winless at 0-5. Rookie sensation AC Miner was their lone bright spot with 15 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Creamline’s championship experience.

Now all eyes are on Sunday’s bronze clash. Cool Smashers coach Sherwin Meneses knows the fight won’t be easy: “Hindi ganun kadali pero ita-try namin na mag-podium ulit this Invitational. Balik muna kami sa training bukas then on Sunday’s game, magiging maganda yung laban kasi yung Chery hindi rin naman yan magpapatalo basta-basta. Ibibigay lang namin yung best ng team para makapodium ulit, pagtatrabahuhan namin.”

Fans, buckle up—this is going to be one fiery finish!