Multi-titled Creamline may have fallen short of another Finals appearance – just the second time in the Premier Volleyball League’s professional era – but the Cool Smashers made sure to finish with a flourish.

Spurred by a roaring Sunday crowd at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Creamline vented its frustrations on Cignal and claimed the bronze medal with a resounding 25-17, 29-27, 25-17 victory in the PVL On Tour.

While the Cool Smashers carved out similar eight-point wins in Sets 1 and 3, it was the gritty, come-from-behind second set that revealed the championship mettle, trademark resilience and unwavering composure that have defined their reign in the country’s top volleyball league.

Facing four set points at 20-24 after a service error by Aleiah Torres, Creamline looked down and nearly out – but not to themselves.

What followed was a stirring display of mental toughness and sheer determination. Michele Gumabao ignited the improbable rally with a hit. Alyssa Valdez followed with a clutch block on Erika Santos and then fired an off-the-block shot to trim the deficit further.

Then came the moment that flipped the momentum: Rhea Villarete, coming off the bench to replace starting setter Kyle Negrito, confidently delivered a service ace to tie the game at 24 – sending the Creamline faithful into a frenzy.

Though Villarete briefly yielded the lead back with a net infraction, middle blocker Michele Gamit stepped up with a quick attack to keep the Cool Smashers alive. Back-and-forth exchanges ensued, with Cignal inching closer to the set again after Jackie Acuña blocked Jema Galanza.

But the 10-time league champions simply refused to fold.

After a failed Cignal floor touch challenge – a crucial miscue in a high-stakes moment – Creamline capitalized, and Gumabao sealed the set with back-to-back points: first, a denial at the net, then a hammering spike on her second try.

That 29-27 comeback wasn’t just a set win – it was the emotional dagger that left Cignal reeling.

Although Cignal kept it close early in Set 3, matching Creamline point for point up to 14-all, the Cool Smashers tightened their grip with a 4-1 burst that gave them a crucial three-point cushion. The HD Spikers momentarily closed in, but another decisive Creamline blitz – this time a 4-0 closing stretch – put the game to bed.

Gumabao led all scorers with 21 points and earned Best Player of the Game honors for her performance. Galanza and Valdez chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, while Pangs Panaga, rookie Sheena Toring, and Negrito added five markers apiece.

“Finishing bronze may not be our best finish but it our destiny for this conference and we’re very thankful and blessed to be here. This is our story and we are very blessed to be able to tell it.,” said the heavy-hitting Gumabao.

Creamline edged Cignal in attacks (47-43), dominated in blocks (11-7), and recorded six service aces without yielding any. The Cool Smashers also forced the HD Spikers into 15 unforced errors while committing just 11 themselves.

Galanza and libero Kyla Atienza anchored the backline with eight and 13 excellent digs, respectively, while Valdez and Galanza combined for 19 excellent receptions.

For Gumabao, the bronze medal wasn’t just a consolation – it was a chapter of triumph in the face of adversity.

“When I joined Creamline in 2018, we’ve always found ourselves on the podium – gold, silver, or bronze. That consistency says everything about this team. I’m proud of how we responded and stayed together,” she added.

Gumabao also emphasized the importance of preparation and mindset.

“It starts in practice. Every day, you show up, put in the work, and commit to your role – no matter what that looks like. Whether you’re starting or coming off the bench, you stay confident, trust the process, and listen to the coaches and your teammates.”

Coach Sherwin Meneses, for his part, lauded the team’s fighting spirit.

“Sobrang iba ito – we’re used to being in the Finals, but we’re still happy because we finished the campaign on the podium,” he said. “Now, we’ll focus on bouncing back in the Invitational.”

Heather Guino-o led Cignal with 13 points off the bench, while Santos had 12, struggling against Creamline’s tight net defense. Acuña and rookie Erin Pangilinan added six apiece, but key hitters like Ishie Lalongisip were neutralized, managing just four points.

Creamline’s bronze finish may not glitter like gold, but it gleamed with pride, persistence and poise – and most importantly, it reminded everyone why the Cool Smashers remain one of the PVL’s most respected and consistent powerhouses.