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Creamline's Star Power Makes Them The Team To Watch As PVL All-Filipino Conference Kicks Off
Photo credit: PVL
Despite roster shake-ups across the league and a title drought last season, Creamline Cool Smashers remain the team most coaches are keeping a close eye on as the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference opens this Saturday in San Juan.
Even a season removed from a Grand Slam run that ended without a follow-up championship, the multi-titled squad continues to spark concern among rival mentors—and for good reason.
Known for their pedigree and depth, the Cool Smashers seem hungrier than ever to reclaim their spot at the top. With eight-time Best Setter Jia de Guzman back and former league MVP Bernadeth Pons rejoining the squad, Creamline suddenly looks whole again—a prospect rival coaches know could shift the balance.
“Sa’kin siguro ‘yung Creamline pa rin kasi maraming nagbalik, maraming naghahangad na matalo sila,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin, noting the return of the team’s core players.
"With Jia back here, it makes a difference for the team,” added Capital1 coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
De Guzman makes her much-anticipated return after nearly three years abroad with Japan’s Denso Airybees, where she won a V.Cup title, and a stint with the national team, Alas Pilipinas, late last year. Meanwhile, Pons sat out the PVL On Tour, Invitational, and Reinforced Conference due to national team duties, helping secure the country’s first-ever SEA Games beach volleyball gold medal with Sisi Rondina and company.
The Cool Smashers also welcome back Jema Galanza, who missed the previous import-laden conference due to a left foot injury, and former Chery Tiggo libero and national team standout Jennifer Nierva, further strengthening their formidable defense.
With stars returning and depth restored, rivals see Creamline—10-time PVL champions—as a challenge no contender can take lightly, even in an all-local conference.
“I think siguro ‘yung pinaka-excited kami makalaban ‘yung team muna namin. Kailangan ma-overcome muna namin lahat ng mga challenges, but to be honest PLDT, Creamline, Akari, Choco – lahat talaga,” said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who stressed internal growth as a priority.
“Agree ako kay coach Shaq saka kay coach Sherwin – sarili muna, tapos Creamline,” added PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, acknowledging that Creamline still sets the standard.
Meanwhile, Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti pointed to the Cool Smashers and the High Speed Hitters as the teams that intrigued him most, signaling the fierce competition ahead.
With experience, star power, and depth back in the mix, Creamline looks ready to remind the PVL that even after a year without a title, they remain the team to beat.
Even a season removed from a Grand Slam run that ended without a follow-up championship, the multi-titled squad continues to spark concern among rival mentors—and for good reason.
Known for their pedigree and depth, the Cool Smashers seem hungrier than ever to reclaim their spot at the top. With eight-time Best Setter Jia de Guzman back and former league MVP Bernadeth Pons rejoining the squad, Creamline suddenly looks whole again—a prospect rival coaches know could shift the balance.
“Sa’kin siguro ‘yung Creamline pa rin kasi maraming nagbalik, maraming naghahangad na matalo sila,” said Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin, noting the return of the team’s core players.
"With Jia back here, it makes a difference for the team,” added Capital1 coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
De Guzman makes her much-anticipated return after nearly three years abroad with Japan’s Denso Airybees, where she won a V.Cup title, and a stint with the national team, Alas Pilipinas, late last year. Meanwhile, Pons sat out the PVL On Tour, Invitational, and Reinforced Conference due to national team duties, helping secure the country’s first-ever SEA Games beach volleyball gold medal with Sisi Rondina and company.
The Cool Smashers also welcome back Jema Galanza, who missed the previous import-laden conference due to a left foot injury, and former Chery Tiggo libero and national team standout Jennifer Nierva, further strengthening their formidable defense.
With stars returning and depth restored, rivals see Creamline—10-time PVL champions—as a challenge no contender can take lightly, even in an all-local conference.
“I think siguro ‘yung pinaka-excited kami makalaban ‘yung team muna namin. Kailangan ma-overcome muna namin lahat ng mga challenges, but to be honest PLDT, Creamline, Akari, Choco – lahat talaga,” said Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos, who stressed internal growth as a priority.
“Agree ako kay coach Shaq saka kay coach Sherwin – sarili muna, tapos Creamline,” added PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, acknowledging that Creamline still sets the standard.
Meanwhile, Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti pointed to the Cool Smashers and the High Speed Hitters as the teams that intrigued him most, signaling the fierce competition ahead.
With experience, star power, and depth back in the mix, Creamline looks ready to remind the PVL that even after a year without a title, they remain the team to beat.
Jan 30, 2026
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