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Cool Smashers Outlast Foxies To Reach 15th PVL Finals
Photo credit: PVL
The Cool Smashers leaned on their championship experience once again, taking down the surging Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-23, 14-25, 25-23, 25-19, on Thursday to secure their 15th Finals appearance in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference.
At first, it looked like fans were in for a long, nerve-wracking battle. And for stretches, it was exactly that. But when the match hung in the balance, Creamline showed why it has been one of the league’s most dominant teams — composed, disciplined, and always ready in the clutch.
Farm Fresh came in hungry, eyeing a breakthrough Finals stint. But in the end, the bright lights of the big stage exposed their inexperience, while Creamline’s poise took over when it mattered most.
Set 3 proved to be the turning point.
With both teams locked in a tense exchange, the Cool Smashers dug deep and escaped with the win — and from there, they never looked back. They stormed into Set 4 with a strong 5-1 start, immediately setting the tone and forcing the Foxies to chase.
Still, Farm Fresh refused to go away quietly.
They trimmed the lead to just one point twice, the last at 15-16 after Ces Molina rejected Bea de Leon at the net. But every time momentum threatened to swing, Creamline calmly shut the door.
Holding a slim 21-18 edge, Jia de Guzman went to her trusted middle option, and Pangs Panaga delivered back-to-back quick attacks — a sequence that highlighted the team’s chemistry and trust under pressure.
The Foxies had one last push, with Royse Tubino finishing a long rally to cut the deficit to 19-22. But that would be their final stand.
As the tension peaked, mistakes crept in. Attacks went wide, timing faltered, and composure slipped.
Trisha Tubu, who had been clutch throughout Farm Fresh’s impressive run, misfired on a crosscourt attempt that gave Creamline match point. On the very next play, she tried to redeem herself — but the ball sailed out, sealing the Cool Smashers’ return to the Finals.
Now, Creamline marches into its 15th championship appearance, this time facing Cignal, which is making its first Finals stint in the All-Filipino Conference.
“Sobrang hirap ng season na ‘to, pero pinaghirapan talaga namin sa training. Lahat ng hard work namin lumabas sa game na ‘to,” said Panaga, who earned Best Player of the Game honors with 13 points, including six kill blocks.
Her presence at the net was a game-changer, especially in the fourth set, where her timing and discipline disrupted Farm Fresh’s rhythm and anchored Creamline’s control in the match that lasted over two hours.
Tots Carlos led the offense with 15 points, all from attacks, while Jema Galanza matched Panaga’s 13. Bernadette Pons added 12 markers, and De Leon, De Guzman, and Michele Gumabao chipped in a combined 17 points.
On the other side, Tubu paced Farm Fresh with 21 points, supported by Ces Molina (19), Royse Tubino (12), and Mylene Paat (11). The Foxies actually edged Creamline in attacks, 61-57, but the Cool Smashers dominated at the net with 12 blocks and showed better control in crunch time.
Despite the loss, it’s not the end of the road for Farm Fresh. Their breakthrough campaign is just the beginning, as they now shift focus to a bronze medal battle against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
As for Creamline? Another Finals, another shot at glory — and they’re right where they’re most comfortable.
At first, it looked like fans were in for a long, nerve-wracking battle. And for stretches, it was exactly that. But when the match hung in the balance, Creamline showed why it has been one of the league’s most dominant teams — composed, disciplined, and always ready in the clutch.
Farm Fresh came in hungry, eyeing a breakthrough Finals stint. But in the end, the bright lights of the big stage exposed their inexperience, while Creamline’s poise took over when it mattered most.
Set 3 proved to be the turning point.
With both teams locked in a tense exchange, the Cool Smashers dug deep and escaped with the win — and from there, they never looked back. They stormed into Set 4 with a strong 5-1 start, immediately setting the tone and forcing the Foxies to chase.
Still, Farm Fresh refused to go away quietly.
They trimmed the lead to just one point twice, the last at 15-16 after Ces Molina rejected Bea de Leon at the net. But every time momentum threatened to swing, Creamline calmly shut the door.
Holding a slim 21-18 edge, Jia de Guzman went to her trusted middle option, and Pangs Panaga delivered back-to-back quick attacks — a sequence that highlighted the team’s chemistry and trust under pressure.
The Foxies had one last push, with Royse Tubino finishing a long rally to cut the deficit to 19-22. But that would be their final stand.
As the tension peaked, mistakes crept in. Attacks went wide, timing faltered, and composure slipped.
Trisha Tubu, who had been clutch throughout Farm Fresh’s impressive run, misfired on a crosscourt attempt that gave Creamline match point. On the very next play, she tried to redeem herself — but the ball sailed out, sealing the Cool Smashers’ return to the Finals.
Now, Creamline marches into its 15th championship appearance, this time facing Cignal, which is making its first Finals stint in the All-Filipino Conference.
“Sobrang hirap ng season na ‘to, pero pinaghirapan talaga namin sa training. Lahat ng hard work namin lumabas sa game na ‘to,” said Panaga, who earned Best Player of the Game honors with 13 points, including six kill blocks.
Her presence at the net was a game-changer, especially in the fourth set, where her timing and discipline disrupted Farm Fresh’s rhythm and anchored Creamline’s control in the match that lasted over two hours.
Tots Carlos led the offense with 15 points, all from attacks, while Jema Galanza matched Panaga’s 13. Bernadette Pons added 12 markers, and De Leon, De Guzman, and Michele Gumabao chipped in a combined 17 points.
On the other side, Tubu paced Farm Fresh with 21 points, supported by Ces Molina (19), Royse Tubino (12), and Mylene Paat (11). The Foxies actually edged Creamline in attacks, 61-57, but the Cool Smashers dominated at the net with 12 blocks and showed better control in crunch time.
Despite the loss, it’s not the end of the road for Farm Fresh. Their breakthrough campaign is just the beginning, as they now shift focus to a bronze medal battle against the PLDT High Speed Hitters.
As for Creamline? Another Finals, another shot at glory — and they’re right where they’re most comfortable.
Apr 17, 2026
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