Leaving absolutely nothing to chance, the Creamline Cool Smashers put on a commanding display of championship-caliber volleyball, sweeping former Finals tormentor Chery Tiggo Crossovers, 25-15, 25-13, 25-22, to clinch the bronze medal in the 2025 PVL Invitational Conference Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Determined to make a statement after falling short of the title round for the second straight tournament, the Cool Smashers came out brimming with both fire and focus. Behind a balanced arsenal powered by Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza and Alyssa Valdez, Creamline unleashed its trademark high-octane offense.

With their bronze finish, Creamline extended its unmatched streak to 19 consecutive podium appearances in the PVL – an extraordinary display of consistency that cements their status as the league’s gold standard. This also marked their fifth bronze medal, adding to a glittering collection that already includes a record 10 championships across various conferences.

They also recently finished third in the PVL On Tour, dispatching the Cignal HD Spikers in similar fashion – proof that even when missing out on the top prize, Creamline remains a dominant force in local volleyball.

Chery Tiggo, which missed the chance to set up a title rematch with PLDT after squandering a 2-0 lead and falling to Kobe Shinwa, settled for fourth place.

More than just a bounce-back win in one hour and 21 minutes, the Cool Smashers’ latest triumph reinforces their legacy as the league’s most decorated and resilient franchise – and if their blocking continues to evolve as a weapon, another title run could be just on the horizon.

But what truly set Creamline’s performance apart was the team’s newfound defensive tenacity at the net – dominating in an area where they’ve traditionally struggled to assert themselves.

Against the Crossovers, who foiled the Cool Smashers in the 2021 PVL Open Conference Finals, Creamline transformed blocking into a game-breaking weapon. Led by Pangs Panaga and Gumabao, the crowd favorites formed a virtual wall at the net, shutting down Chery Tiggo’s attacks and stifling any rhythm from the opposing side.

Their precise timing, positioning and reads resulted in a flurry of monster blocks that not only neutralized Chery Tiggo’s wing spikers but also demoralized the entire offense.

That stellar net defense was especially evident in Set 2, where, after a tight 11-8 lead, the Cool Smashers went on a 10-4 tear to seize a decisive 21-12 advantage. Sparked by Kyle Negrito’s loaded serves that repeatedly disrupted Chery Tiggo’s reception, Creamline tightened the screws on both ends – highlighted by another emphatic Valdez kill that capped the set in just 23 minutes.

Even when Chery Tiggo mounted a gallant stand in Set 3 and seized early control, Creamline didn’t flinch. The Cool Smashers struck back in no time – and when they did, there was no holding them back.

Spearheading that momentum shift was the unlikely duo of Lorie Bernardo and Rhea Villarete, who combined for a 7-4 counterattack that flipped an 8-10 deficit into a 15-14 advantage. Villarete capped the run with a crafty 1-2 play that caught the defense off guard.

Still, the Crossovers refused to fold. They traded blows with the Cool Smashers in a tense sequence of sideouts, tying the score at 22 after a blistering hit from Ara Galang.

That’s when Gumabao took over.

Coming off the bench in fiery form, Gumabao delivered three straight points to seal the set and the match: first, a thunderous kill that snapped Chery Tiggo’s rally; then, a power hit that pierced through two blockers; and finally, a clean baseline attack that left the defense frozen.

“Coming from the outside, medyo malamig at matagal din kami, so execute lang, just give your best at iniisip ko lang talaga na pumatay ng bola. Medyo malamig pero nakaraos naman,” said Gumabao, who finished with a solid 17-point outing on a stellar 58 percent attack efficiency.

Gumabao, who also had three blocks, also expressed gratitude to the management and fans for their unwavering support throughout the team’s consistent success.

“We’re blessed with great management, which has always been there to support all through those 19 podium finishes, and the fans. Grabe ang passion nila kaya lalo lang kami na-eencourage maglaro,” added Gumabao.

Galanza backed Gumabao’s explosive outing with 12 points, while Valdez and Panaga chipped in nine and seven markers, respectively. Bernardo added six points in a key third-set stint, and rookie Sheena Toring contributed five, as the Cool Smashers outgunned the Crossovers, 48-31, in attacks and dominated at the net with a 7-2 edge in blocks.

Galang led Chery Tiggo with 10 points, and Cess Robles chipped in nine, but the duo struggled to get consistent support. Imee Hernandez was limited to just five points, while Aby Maraño and Renee Peñafiel managed only four and three, respectively, as the Crossovers’ offense sputtered in the face of Creamline’s disciplined and unrelenting defense.