Creamline celebrates during a game against Akari in the PVL All-Filipino Conference in Candon, Ilocos Sur.—PVL PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Tots Carlos returned and Creamline dominated Akari. 26-24, 25-21, 25-18, in the PVL All-Filipino Conference on Saturday at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.

Carlos contributed a solitary point with a long ball midway through the first set and finished with four points.

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Creamline’s depth proved decisive, as its bench stepped up as the Cool Smashers with the Cignal HD Spikers and PLDT High Speed Hitters at 2-0 atop the standings.

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The Chargers, who swept their first two matches, dropped to 2-1, sharing the second spot with the Petro Gazz Angels, who earlier defeated the Farm Fresh Foxies in straight sets.

Creamline showcased its mastery over Akari, whom it swept in last season’s finals to claim the Reinforced Conference crown on its way to completing a historic Grand Slam in the Invitationals.

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A crowd of 7,281 erupted in cheers as Carlos and Alyssa Valdez checked into the match. Despite their limited roles, key contributions from veterans like Rose Vargas, Pangs Panaga and Pau Soriano helped Creamline overcome Akari’s rallies in the one-hour, 35-minute match in the PVL on Tour.

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Soriano delivered two crucial hits late in the match, the last one putting Creamline at match point. The Cool Smashers sealed the victory with a kill block on Akari’s Faith Nisperos.

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Akari’s Michelle Cobb praised the turnout, marveling at volleyball’s growing popularity.

“Sobrang nakakatuwa na ganito na ang reach ng volleyball. Sana makaulit kami dito,” said Cobb, thanking fans from Candon and nearby towns.

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Valdez also expressed gratitude in the local dialect, acknowledging the crowd’s overwhelming support.

Jema Galanza led Creamline with 13 points, supplemented by four excellent digs and five receptions. But the night belonged to Bea de Leon, who shone with 12 points, including 10 attacks, and playing a pivotal role in the third set to secure the win – and the game’s top honors.

“The team’s mindset is to keep small balls since this has been key to all our games,” said de Leon, echoing Valdez’s guidance. “Personally, I’m just enjoying the game – my knees are healthy, and Tots and Ate Aly are back.”

READ: PVL: Creamline starts drive for No. 5

While Akari mounted valiant comebacks, errors in crucial moments and Creamline’s firepower made the difference.

Bernadeth Pons added 10 points, while Michele Gumabao contributed four in a two-set stint. Six other Cool Smashers scored, underscoring the team’s depth.

Panaga finished with four points while Soriano and Vargas contributed three points apiece.

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Akari missed injured hitter Grethcel Soltones and relied heavily on Erika Raagas, who tallied 11 points. However, Eli Soyud22fun, Ivy Lacsina and Nisperos struggled with offensive games, settling for a combined 18-point output.

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